The story revolves around three young boys who attempt to uphold an old tradition: catching birds and selling them outside mosques and churches under the slogan, "Pay a coin, set a bird free; it will bring you luck at the gates of Heaven."

Kemal illustrates how the concrete jungle of Istanbul physically and spiritually displaces the natural world.

(The Birds Have Also Gone) is a poignant novella by the legendary Turkish author Yaşar Kemal , first published in 1978. It serves as a haunting commentary on the decay of nature, traditional values, and human compassion amidst the rapid urbanization of Istanbul. Content Overview

An ancient custom intended to promote kindness becomes an obsolete nuisance in a modern society. Why It’s a Must-Read