In this episode of One Off Travel Stories, Andrew sits down with Mark Mustian, a seasoned traveler and author, to discuss his 2008 journey through Turkey and Syria. Mark traveled to the region to conduct firsthand research for his historical fiction novel, The Gendarme, which centers around the topic of the Armenian Genocide. Mark shares vivid memories of navigating tense border crossings, exploring the ancient Citadel in Aleppo, and navigating sensitive cultural topics during his travels.

Guest:

Mark is a professional lawyer who primarily practices contract law. He is an avid lifelong traveler who has visited over ninety countries. He is the author of three historical fiction books, including The Gendarme.

Chapters:

  1. Introduction to Mark Mustian and the roots of his travel passion
  2. Balancing a legal career with global exploration and family life
  3. Discovering heritage and the research process behind The Gendarme
  4. The 2008 trip to Turkey and a difficult Syrian border crossing
  5. Visiting the ancient Citadel and the Armenian quarter in Aleppo
  6. Navigating sensitive historical topics and experiencing a tense border exit
  7. Mark's future travel plans to Argentina, Uruguay, and Rwanda


Resources and Links:

  1. Mark Mustian's Official Website
  2. The Gendarme by Mark Mustian
  3. The Black Dog of Fate by Peter Balakian (Mentioned Book)


Call to action:

Check out my website at oneofftravelstories.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.

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