The Architect's Apprentice: A Novel

The Architect's Apprentice: A Novel

From the acclaimed author of The Bastard of Istanbul, a colorful, magical tale set during the height of the Ottoman Empire

In her latest novel, Turkeyâ€™s preeminent female writer spins an epic tale spanning nearly a century in the life of the Ottoman Empire. In 1540, twelve-year-old Jahan arrives in Istanbul. As an animal tamer in the sultanâ€™s menagerie, he looks after the exceptionally smart elephant Chota andÂ befriends (and falls for) the sultanâ€™s beautiful daughter, Princess Mihrimah. A palace education leads Jahan to Mimar Sinan, the empireâ€™s chief architect, who takes Jahan under his wing as they construct (with Chotaâ€™s help) some of the most magnificent buildings in history. Yet even as theyÂ build Sinanâ€™s triumphant masterpiecesâ€”the incredible Suleymaniye and Selimiye mosquesâ€”dangerous undercurrents begin to emerge, with jealousy erupting amongÂ Sinanâ€™s four apprentices.

A memorable story of artistic freedom, creativity, and the clash between science and fundamentalism, Shafakâ€™s intricate novel brims with vibrant characters, intriguing adventure, and the lavish backdrop of the Ottoman court, where love and loyalty are no match for raw power.
Country USA
Manufacturer Penguin Books
Binding Kindle Edition
ReleaseDate 2015-03-31
Format Kindle eBook