In this inaugural issue, Turkish journalist and author Ece Temelkuran reflects on what defines a country, and whether it is possible to align her own feelings of nationality with Turkey’s current political situation. From Istanbul, Unmapped travels to Paris, where writer, historian and urbanist Leo Hollis tells us the story behind a secret supper club in the 14th arrondissement, and discusses the broader theme of how personal connections weave together the cities we live in.

This ‘definitions’ issue also features two stories from Africa. From Nairobi, Kenya, Grace Lesser shares her thoughts on the recent terror attack on the city’s Westgate shopping mall, and how the violence recently experienced sits alongside her vision of the city. From Awaday, Ethopia, Mara Truog explores the Horn of Africa stimulant khat through her vibrant photo set, and the mass commercialization of a substance that is seen both as an intrinsic part of Ethiopian culture and a dangerous illegal drug.

Finally, from various places in Laos and Cambodia, Andrey Muntyan offers a beautiful piece of creative writing that tells the story of places through people.