Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. My Name is Red

   

   Set in the late 16th century Ottoman Empire, this novel explores the conflict between East and West, tradition and innovation, through the lens of miniaturist painters. When a renowned artist is murdered, his colleagues must solve the mystery while grappling with the changes in their art brought about by the western Renaissance. This complex narrative intertwines love, art, religion, and power, offering a deep exploration of the struggles between old and new.

   The 1080th Greatest Book of All Time

2. 2. Snow

   

   Set in the small city of Kars in northeastern Turkey, the novel follows a Turkish poet who has spent several years in political exile in Germany. He returns to Turkey during a time of political unrest, with tensions high between religious and secular factions. As he becomes embroiled in the turmoil, he also becomes involved in a romantic relationship with a beautiful woman. The city is cut off from the rest of the world by a relentless snowstorm, leading to a series of tragic events. The novel is a contemplation on love, faith, and the tensions between tradition and modernity.

   The 1456th Greatest Book of All Time

3. 3. Cevdet Bey And His Sons

   

   The novel follows the life of Cevdet Bey, a wealthy Muslim merchant in early 20th-century Istanbul, and spans across three generations of his family. It delves into their personal and societal struggles as they navigate the profound changes in Turkish society, from the fall of the Ottoman Empire to the rise of the Turkish Republic. Through the lens of Cevdet Bey and his descendants, the story explores themes of tradition, modernity, identity, and the impact of historical upheaval on individual lives and family dynamics.

   The 4689th Greatest Book of All Time

4. 4. The Black Book

   

   The novel focuses on a man searching for his wife in Istanbul, who disappeared without a trace. In his search, he discovers a secret, surreal world in the city and starts to understand his wife's involvement in political activism. The narrative is interwoven with stories from a column written by his wife's half-brother, which the protagonist believes may hold clues to her disappearance. The book is a complex exploration of identity, storytelling, and the role of literature in society.

   The 4814th Greatest Book of All Time
5. 5. The Museum Of Innocence

   

   This novel delves into the obsessive love of Kemal, a wealthy Istanbulite, for Füsun, a distant relative and a shopgirl, which begins in 1975 and spans over 30 years. After a brief affair, Füsun marries another man, but Kemal's love remains unyielding. He starts collecting objects that remind him of his love for her, eventually creating a museum dedicated to their relationship. Set against the backdrop of Istanbul's changing society, the story explores themes of love, longing, class, and the power of memory, as Kemal's life becomes a testament to his unattainable desire, encapsulated within the walls of his museum.

   The 6193rd Greatest Book of All Time

6. 6. Istanbul

   Memories and the City

   

   The book offers a rich, introspective exploration of the city of Istanbul, blending personal memoir with cultural history. Through the author's eyes, readers are introduced to the city's unique character, shaped by its complex past and vibrant present. The narrative delves into the melancholic beauty of Istanbul, capturing its essence through vivid descriptions of its streets, architecture, and the Bosphorus. Interwoven with the author's own experiences and reflections, the book paints a portrait of a city caught between tradition and modernity, East and West, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia and longing.