The Greatest "Historical fiction, Turkey" Books of All Time

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Historical fiction

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional stories with real historical events, settings, and characters. These books often take place in a specific time period and are based on research and factual information, but also include imaginative elements to create a compelling narrative. Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way, while also providing insight into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time.

Turkey

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Date Range

Filter

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download
  1. 1. My Name is Red by Orhan Pamuk

    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.

  2. 2. Memed, My Hawk by Yashar Kemal

    "Memed, My Hawk" is a novel set in the harsh and lawless rural Turkey of the 1920s. It follows the story of a young boy, Memed, who becomes an outlaw and a local hero after standing up to the corrupt authorities and feudal landlords who oppress his village. The novel explores themes of love, revenge, and social justice, and is a powerful indictment of the social and economic conditions of rural Turkey in the early 20th century.

  3. 3. The Towers Of Trebizond by Rose Macauley

    "The Towers of Trebizond" is a humorous and thought-provoking novel that follows the journey of a young woman and her eccentric aunt as they embark on a trip to Turkey. Through their adventures and encounters with various characters, the book explores themes of religion, love, and the clash between tradition and modernity. With its witty narration and insightful observations, the novel offers a captivating exploration of faith and identity.

  4. 4. The Forty Days Of Musa Dagh by Franz Werfel

    This novel is a gripping historical fiction that recounts the harrowing tale of Armenian villagers who resist their deportation by the Ottoman Empire during the Armenian Genocide of 1915. Centered around the heroic stand of the people of Musa Dagh, the narrative delves into the struggle for survival, unity, and defiance against overwhelming odds. Through the lens of this resistance, the book explores themes of identity, resilience, and the human spirit's capacity to fight for freedom and justice. It serves as a poignant reminder of a dark chapter in history, highlighting the courage and determination of those who fought against their oppressors.

  5. 5. They Burn the Thistles by Yaşar Kemal

    In the sequel to the story of a defiant Anatolian peasant boy, the protagonist continues his struggle against the oppressive feudal landlords. Despite being declared an outlaw and having a bounty on his head, he does not give up his fight for justice and equality. The narrative explores the harsh realities of rural life and the deep-seated traditions of the Anatolian people, while also delving into the protagonist's inner battles and his unwavering determination to resist tyranny.

  6. 6. Pawn In Frankincense by Dorothy Dunnett

    This novel is the fourth installment in a historical fiction series, set against the backdrop of the 16th-century Mediterranean. The story follows the protagonist's desperate quest across empires to find his child, who has been taken captive. Along the way, he faces a myriad of challenges, including political intrigue, battles of wits, and the complex dynamics of the Ottoman Empire. The narrative is rich with historical detail, complex characters, and a deep exploration of the human psyche, making it a compelling and immersive read. The protagonist's journey is not only a physical one but also a profound exploration of love, sacrifice, and the lengths to which one will go for their offspring.

  7. 7. Count Robert Of Paris by Sir Walter Scott

    "Count Robert of Paris" is a historical novel set during the First Crusade, focusing on the complex interactions between the Western European crusaders and the Byzantine Empire. The story revolves around Count Robert of Paris, a brave but somewhat arrogant Frankish nobleman who challenges the Byzantine Emperor Alexius I, questioning his authority and integrity. As tensions escalate, the novel explores themes of honor, betrayal, and cultural clashes, weaving a rich tapestry of medieval intrigue, diplomacy, and warfare. The narrative also delves into the personal struggles and alliances formed among various characters, providing a vivid portrayal of the period's political and social dynamics.

  8. 8. Number 31328 by Elias Venezis

    This book is a harrowing memoir that recounts the author's experiences as a forced laborer during the Asia Minor Catastrophe. Captured by the advancing Turkish forces, the author, along with thousands of other Greek and Armenian men, is subjected to brutal conditions, forced marches, and labor in the inhospitable Anatolian landscape. Through his vivid narrative, the author not only shares his personal ordeal and the suffering of his fellow captives but also reflects on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. This work stands as a poignant testament to the atrocities of war and the indomitable will to survive.

  9. 9. A Prisoner Of War’s Story by Stratis Doukas

    This book recounts the harrowing experiences of a Greek soldier captured by the Ottoman Army during World War I. After being taken prisoner, he endures a grueling march across Anatolia alongside other captives, facing harsh conditions, starvation, and abuse. Throughout his ordeal, he witnesses the suffering of his fellow prisoners and the brutal realities of war. His story is not just one of survival against the odds but also a poignant account of friendship, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. The narrative, based on true events, offers a unique perspective on the complexities of war, loyalty, and the will to live despite insurmountable challenges.

  10. 10. Ματωμένα Χώματα by Dido Sotiriou

    This novel is a poignant narrative set against the backdrop of the Greco-Turkish War and the subsequent population exchange between Greece and Turkey in the early 20th century. It tells the harrowing story of a Greek family living in Asia Minor who are forced to flee their ancestral home amidst the violence and upheaval of the time. Through their journey, the book explores themes of identity, loss, and the enduring human spirit in the face of displacement and tragedy. The narrative serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of individuals caught in the crossfire of historical events, and a reminder of the personal stories behind the broad strokes of history.

  11. 11. Julian by Gore Vidal

    This historical novel is a first-person narrative told through the eyes of Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate, the last non-Christian ruler of the Roman Empire. The story is presented as a series of letters and diary entries detailing Julian's life from his childhood to his death, including his rise to power, his attempts to restore paganism in the empire, and his military campaigns. The book paints a complex portrait of Julian, exploring his philosophical beliefs, his relationships, and his inner struggles.

  12. 12. The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak

    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.

  13. 13. The Museum Of Innocence by Orhan Pamuk

    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.

  14. 14. Emperor And Galilean by Henrik Ibsen

    "Emperor and Galilean" is a historical drama that centers on the life of the Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate, who reigned in the 4th century. The play explores Julian's internal conflict as he attempts to revive pagan worship in the face of the growing influence of Christianity. As Julian becomes increasingly disillusioned with Christian doctrine, he seeks to establish a new world order based on a synthesis of Greek philosophy and pagan gods. His quest for spiritual and political transformation leads him on a tragic journey, culminating in his ultimate failure and realization of the futility of his ambitions. The narrative delves into themes of power, faith, and the human struggle between the divine and earthly realms.

  15. 15. The Bellini Card by Jason Goodwin

    In "The Bellini Card," readers are transported to the 19th century, where the Ottoman Empire's intrigue and mystery set the stage for an enthralling historical mystery. The story follows the eunuch detective Yashim, who is tasked with a delicate mission by the Ottoman Sultan: to find a lost painting by the renowned Renaissance artist Bellini. The quest leads Yashim to Venice, a city as enigmatic and layered as the mystery he seeks to unravel. Amidst the city's canals and fading grandeur, Yashim navigates through a labyrinth of deceit, danger, and historical secrets, relying on his wit and resourcefulness. The novel masterfully blends historical facts with fiction, offering readers a vivid glimpse into the past while keeping them engrossed in the suspense and intrigue of the detective's journey.

  16. 16. De Romantici by Nâzim Hikmet

    "De Romantici" is a compelling narrative that delves into the lives and struggles of young Turkish intellectuals during the tumultuous period of the early 20th century. Through its vivid portrayal of love, betrayal, and the quest for freedom, the book captures the essence of the romantic spirit against the backdrop of political upheaval. The characters, bound by their deep convictions and the shared dream of a better world, navigate through personal and collective challenges, reflecting the author's profound insights into human nature and society. This work not only offers a poignant exploration of its characters' inner lives but also serves as a critical commentary on the era's socio-political landscape, making it a timeless piece of literature that resonates with readers across different generations.

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download