Books like The architect's apprentice by Elif Şafak
Elif Şafak’s historical novel traces the life of Jahan, a ten‑year‑old animal tamer who arrives in Istanbul in 1540. The story follows his apprenticeship under Mimar Sinan, the empire's chief architect, and his friendship with the sultan’s daughter, Princess Mihrimah, as they collaborate on monumental projects such as the Suleymaniye and Selimiye mosques. Amid the grandeur of Ottoman court life, the narrative explores artistic freedom, the rise of scientific thought, and the rivalries among Sinan’s four apprentices, revealing the complex interplay between creativity and power.
First publish date: 2013
Genre: Historical Fiction/Medieval Historical Fiction
Authors: Elif Şafak
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