The Architect's Apprentice

In her captivating novel set during the height of the Ottoman Empire, Elif Shafak introduces 12-year-old Jahan, an animal tamer in the sultan's menagerie, who becomes entwined with the lives of the sultan's beautiful daughter, Princess Mihrimah, and the chief architect, Mimar Sinan. As Jahan learns the art of architecture and aids in the construction of stunning mosques, he navigates a world rife with jealousy and ambition among Sinan’s apprentices. This colorful tale explores themes of creativity, love, and the tensions between fundamentalism and artistic freedom against the vibrant backdrop of the Ottoman court.