We are working on several exciting projects that we hope to bring to you soon! Coming in 2024/2025:
Levâyih-i-Hayat (“Scenes from Life”) by Fatma Aliye
Fatma Aliye (1862–1936) earned the rare distinction of being a prominent woman writer in the late Ottoman Empire – in fact, she is considered by many to be the first Ottoman woman novelist, with the publication of several novels starting in 1892. This book, written as a series of letters between five friends and published in 1897-1898, broaches such topics as love, marriage, women’s place in the family, and the impact of education and socio-economic conditions on women’s lives.
Nisvan-ı Islam (“Women of Islam”) by Fatma Aliye
We are happy to partner with Gregory Key, who has previously translated Ihsan Oktay Anar’s The Book of Devices, on another Fatma Aliye work. This 1892 book is based on Aliye’s personal experience with Western travellers and their wives in late 19th century Istanbul, and aims to defend Ottoman society’s traditions and Islamic principles by demonstrating their rationality. Aliye challenges the misinformation and misconceptions she observes among Western visitors to the Empire. The book is organized around hypothetical conversations that Fatma Aliye has with Western women who visit her home. Aliye invites them over so that they can observe a real Muslim household, rather than relying on their observations in non-Muslim districts of Istanbul such as Beyoğlu. The Western women ask Aliye several questions, ranging from the lives of concubines in the empire to polygamy and arranged marriages. At times, Aliye draws comparisons between Christianity and Islam in order to dispel the misconceptions and stereotypes that Western women bring to bear when they think of Ottoman women.
Istanbul: The Poet, the City, and the Sea by Orhan Veli
One of the most celebrated Turkish poets, Orhan Veli (1914–1950) led a short but remarkably influential life, co-founding the Garip (“Strange”) movement with two fellow poets and challenging the rigid traditional structures of poetry. Although he spent much of his adult life in Ankara, it’s clear from his poems about the city and about his longing for the sea that his time in Istanbul always held a special place in his heart. This book will feature translations of his poems about Istanbul and other related themes along with excerpts from his letters, as well as original artwork showcasing the beauty of this historically important city that continues to capture the hearts and minds of those who visit Turkey.
Selected Works by Sabahattin Ali
Sabahattin Ali’s (1907–1948) Kürk Mantolu Madonna (“Madonna in a Fur Coat”) is one of the most popular Turkish novels of all time and may be the most popular translated Turkish novel as well. However, few of Ali’s other works have been translated into English. We are working on bringing to you more from the celebrated author, who, although he died so young at the age of 41, left an indelible mark on Turkish literature. Our translation of his collected poetry books, along with Esirler (“Prisoners”), his only play, will be published in a single volume in 2024.
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