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Jumia Books The Architect's Apprentice: A Novel by Elif Shafak

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The Architect's Apprentice by Elif Shafak is a sprawling historical novel set in the 16th-century Ottoman Empire, following the life of Jahan, a young Indian boy who arrives in Istanbul with a rare white elephant as a gift for Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Fleeing an abusive stepfather, 12-year-old Jahan is forced to pose as the elephant’s keeper and is admitted into the palace menagerie.

Jahan's life changes dramatically when he catches the attention of the royal architect, Mimar Sinan, one of the most celebrated builders of the era. Sinan takes him on as an apprentice alongside others, and Jahan becomes involved in monumental projects like the construction of mosques, bridges, and the restoration of the Hagia Sophia. Throughout the novel, Jahan also forms a close, unfulfilled love for Mihrimah Sultan, the daughter of Sultan Suleiman.

The novel spans the reigns of three sultans—Suleiman I, Selim II, and Murad III—and includes numerous historical figures. Jahan’s journey takes him through wars, plague, palace intrigue, and visits to Rome where he encounters Michelangelo. The story explores themes of art, architecture, love, social hierarchy, and the cosmopolitan and multi-cultural nature of Istanbul at the height of the Ottoman Empire.

Critics praise the book for its richly detailed depiction of Ottoman architecture and history, its vivid portrayal of Istanbul’s culture and politics, and its deep human story centered on growth and resilience. While some note the plot’s complexity and wide cast of characters can be challenging, the novel is admired for its atmosphere and the way it uses architecture as a metaphor for life and creative striving.

Key highlights:

Jahan’s bond with the white elephant Chota, a symbol of innocence and loyalty.

Sinan’s philosophy of art as a divine covenant with the creator.

The tension between Jahan’s humble origins and aspirations in a rigidly structured society.

Istanbul depicted as a melting pot of faiths, cultures, and political intrigue.

Overall, The Architect’s Apprentice is a richly woven, panoramic historical novel that combines biography, romance, art, and political drama, showcasing Elif Shafak’s narrative skill and deep engagement with Ottoman history.

Specifications

Key Features

The Architect's Apprentice by Elif Shafak is a sprawling historical novel set in the 16th-century Ottoman Empire, following the life of Jahan, a young Indian boy who arrives in Istanbul with a rare white elephant as a gift for Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Fleeing an abusive stepfather, 12-year-old Jahan is forced to pose as the elephant’s keeper and is admitted into the palace menagerie.

Jahan's life changes dramatically when he catches the attention of the royal architect, Mimar Sinan, one of the most celebrated builders of the era. Sinan takes him on as an apprentice alongside others, and Jahan becomes involved in monumental projects like the construction of mosques, bridges, and the restoration of the Hagia Sophia. Throughout the novel, Jahan also forms a close, unfulfilled love for Mihrimah Sultan, the daughter of Sultan Suleiman.

The novel spans the reigns of three sultans—Suleiman I, Selim II, and Murad III—and includes numerous historical figures. Jahan’s journey takes him through wars, plague, palace intrigue, and visits to Rome where he encounters Michelangelo. The story explores themes of art, architecture, love, social hierarchy, and the cosmopolitan and multi-cultural nature of Istanbul at the height of the Ottoman Empire.

Critics praise the book for its richly detailed depiction of Ottoman architecture and history, its vivid portrayal of Istanbul’s culture and politics, and its deep human story centered on growth and resilience. While some note the plot’s complexity and wide cast of characters can be challenging, the novel is admired for its atmosphere and the way it uses architecture as a metaphor for life and creative striving.

Key highlights:

Jahan’s bond with the white elephant Chota, a symbol of innocence and loyalty.

Sinan’s philosophy of art as a divine covenant with the creator.

The tension between Jahan’s humble origins and aspirations in a rigidly structured society.

Istanbul depicted as a melting pot of faiths, cultures, and political intrigue.

Overall, The Architect’s Apprentice is a richly woven, panoramic historical novel that combines biography, romance, art, and political drama, showcasing Elif Shafak’s narrative skill and deep engagement with Ottoman history.

What’s in the box

1 BOOK

Specifications

  • SKU: JU506BM5HQG62NAFAMZ
  • GTIN Barcode: 09780143108306
  • Weight (kg): 1.6

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Jumia Books The Architect's Apprentice: A Novel by Elif Shafak

Jumia Books The Architect's Apprentice: A Novel by Elif Shafak

KSh 1,234
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