Description
Turkey’s foremost female author weaves an epic tale, spanning nearly a century in the Ottoman Empire’s history. In 1540, young Jahan arrives in Istanbul and becomes an animal tamer in the sultan’s menagerie. He cares for the intelligent elephant Chota and develops a close bond with the sultan’s daughter, Princess Mihrimah. Jahan’s palace education introduces him to Mimar Sinan, the empire’s chief architect, and they collaborate on building some of history’s most magnificent structures, including the Suleymaniye and Selimiye mosques. However, tensions simmer among Sinan’s four apprentices, leading to jealousy and rivalry. Elif Shafak’s intricate novel explores artistic freedom, creativity, and the clash between science and fundamentalism within the opulent backdrop of the Ottoman court.
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