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. The Forty Rules of Love

   A Novel of Rumi

   

   This novel intertwines two parallel narratives, one set in the 13th century and one in the modern day. The contemporary story follows a discontented American housewife who, while working as a reader for a literary agency, comes across a novel about the 13th-century poet Rumi and his spiritual mentor, Shams of Tabriz. As she delves into their story, she uncovers Shams' forty rules of love and begins to question her own life and relationships. The historical narrative, on the other hand, explores the transformative friendship between Rumi and Shams, and how their bond revolutionized Rumi's poetry and outlook on life.

   The 9816th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. 10 Minutes, 38 Seconds In This Strange World

   

   Set in the vibrant and tumultuous city of Istanbul, the narrative unfolds through the final moments of a woman named Tequila Leila, whose consciousness lingers for 10 minutes and 38 seconds after her death. As her life flashes before her eyes, she revisits poignant memories and encounters with a diverse group of friends who became her chosen family. Through these reflections, the story delves into themes of love, friendship, and the societal challenges faced by marginalized individuals, painting a rich tapestry of human connection and resilience in the face of adversity.

   The 11351st Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. The Bastard of Istanbul

   

   "The Bastard of Istanbul" is a novel that tells the story of two families, one Turkish and one Armenian American. It explores the deep, intricate history between the two nations through the eyes of the characters, while also tackling themes of identity, memory, and the past. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of the women in both families, who carry the burden of their ancestors' secrets, and a young man haunted by the ghost of a long-dead Armenian. The novel delves into the complexities of love, family, and the lasting effects of the Armenian genocide on its descendants.

   The 13814th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Das Flüstern Der Feigenbäume

   

   Set against the backdrop of Cyprus, the story weaves together the lives of two families—one Turkish Cypriot and the other Greek Cypriot—whose histories are deeply intertwined with the island's turbulent past. Through the lens of forbidden love and enduring friendships, the narrative explores themes of identity, memory, and reconciliation. As the characters navigate personal and political conflicts, the novel delves into the complexities of cultural heritage and the lingering impact of historical traumas, ultimately offering a poignant reflection on the power of love and forgiveness in bridging divides.

   The 17117th Greatest Book of All Time
5. 5. Three Daughters Of Eve

   

   Set against the backdrop of contemporary Istanbul, this novel weaves a rich tapestry of themes including faith, identity, and friendship through the lives of three women who meet at Oxford University. The narrative oscillates between the present and the past, exploring the protagonist's struggle with her own beliefs and the complex relationships she forms with her two friends, each embodying different perspectives on religion and modernity. As the story unfolds, it delves into the intricacies of personal and cultural conflicts, ultimately questioning the nature of faith and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.

   The 17117th Greatest Book of All Time

6. 6. Unerhörte Stimmen

   Literarische Essays über das Leben, die Liebe und die Freiheit

   

   Set against the vibrant backdrop of Istanbul, this novel weaves together the lives of a diverse group of characters, each grappling with their own struggles and secrets. Through a tapestry of interconnected stories, the narrative explores themes of love, loss, and identity, delving into the complexities of human relationships and the societal norms that shape them. As the characters' paths intersect, the novel paints a poignant picture of the city itself, capturing its beauty, chaos, and the unheard voices that echo through its streets.

   The 17117th Greatest Book of All Time

7. 7. Czarne Mleko

   On Motherhood and Writing

   

   This introspective memoir delves into the complexities of balancing motherhood with a writing career, exploring the emotional turmoil and identity struggles faced by a woman navigating these dual roles. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and imaginative storytelling, the narrative offers a candid look at postpartum depression and the societal expectations surrounding women. The author uses a unique narrative style, personifying different facets of her personality to illustrate the internal conflicts and the journey towards self-acceptance and harmony.

8. 8. The Architect's Apprentice

   

   Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Ottoman Empire, this historical novel follows the journey of Jahan, a young elephant tamer who arrives in Istanbul with a rare white elephant named Chota. As Jahan becomes an apprentice to the empire's most renowned architect, Sinan, he navigates the complexities of court life, love, and ambition. Through the intertwining of personal and historical narratives, the story explores themes of identity, power, and the transformative nature of art and architecture, all while capturing the rich cultural tapestry of 16th-century Istanbul.

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9. 9. Honour

   

   Set between rural Turkey and immigrant London, this story follows a family torn between love and the strict codes they carry with them. As a father drifts into self-destruction, a mother seeks solace, and the eldest son—consumed by ideas of masculine duty and family reputation—commits a devastating act that fractures his siblings and reverberates for years. Through interwoven timelines and voices, it explores migration, twinhood, guilt, and the heavy cost of tradition on belonging and forgiveness.