B.J. Cunningham speaks with Sedat Bornovalı—art historian, cultural translator, and one of Istanbul’s most compelling storytellers. From guiding world leaders through the layered halls of Hagia Sophia to spending a lifetime interpreting the evolving identity of Istanbul, Sedat reveals what it truly means to live inside history rather than simply study it.
Trace his journey from a childhood surrounded by beauty to becoming a bridge between civilizations—translating not just languages, but entire worldviews shaped by Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern Turkish legacies.
Discover Sedat’s philosophy on memory and meaning—why history is not something we lose, but something that evolves and accumulates with every generation. From unexpected lessons sparked by children’s questions to profound encounters with figures like Pope Benedict XVI, this episode explores how perception, belief, and storytelling shape our understanding of truth. He also reflects on cultural connection in a globalized world, and how institutions like Turkish Airlines transform travel into a gateway for deeper human understanding.