Book Review: 'The Architect's Apprentice' by Elif Shafak

“But Istanbul is a city of easy forgettings. Things are written in water over there, except the works of my master, which are written in stone.” 

- Jahan in The Architect's Apprentice by Elif Shafak

Spending an entire Saturday afternoon consumed in a gripping book is a luxury these days. Being this engrossed in a work of historical fiction - a genre I have never regarded with too much interest (mainly because such books can be absolutely terrible if the writing is not right, which is often the case) - was a first for me.

Presenting The Architect's Apprentice by Elif Shafak, a book that I have been reading voraciously over the past few days.

This is a book that is as much about a city as the characters who dwell in it. Sixteenth century Istanbul under the Ottoman Empire comes alive in these four hundred odd pages of writing that rolls along smoothly.

While The Architect's Apprentice sheds light on one of the greatest and most prolific architects in history, Sinan, the book is really about his apprentice, Jahan, who also serves as the "mahout" to an Indian elephant in the royal menagerie (a present from Humayun to Sultan Suleiman). It is through the lens of Jahan's character that the reader is introduced to an eclectic group of characters, who collectively reflect not only the ethnic diversity of Istanbul, but also the most virtuous and abhorrent of human characteristics.

In his dual capacity as an apprentice to the Chief Architect of the Ottoman Empire and the tamer of a royal elephant, Jahan occasionally interfaces with the Sultans, their family members and their most trusted viziers, sometimes with awe, sometimes apprehension or fear, occasionally with revulsion. It is in these capacities that his friendship with Princess Mihirimah seem not only forbidden, but most unlikely, yet it forms a crucial part of the story. There are occasional glimpses into palace life and diktats such as the Silence Code, forbidding people to speak in the palace courtyard. On the other hand, there are moving instances of loyalty and camraderie that exist in the Royal Menagerie, where Jahan finds friends who guide him right from when he arrives into the city as a young boy, ostensibly from Hindustan, and thereon.

Inside Topkapi Palace, from where the Ottoman Sultans ruled.

Undoubtedly, however, Jahan's best friend and most trusted confidante remains Chota the elephant. Shafak's power to assign a role of centrality to an an animal, and to bring out its distinct humanistic characteristics is most creditable. In a sense, Jahan and Chota form the yin and yang of the book. Chota elicits from Jahan his kindest and most caring qualities, in contrast with other circumstances which are responsible for compelling Jahan to indulge in morally questionable acts and filling him with self-doubt.

Upon being appointed as an apprentice to Sinan, there is a shift of responsibilities in Jahan's life. Due to the pressing demands of apprenticeship, Jahan finds that he is unable to tend to Chota in a manner that he could previously manage; he remains, however, utterly devoted to Chota. As the architect's apprentice, we are introduced to another facet of Jahan - the diligent worker, filled with unbridled passion and pride for his craft.

The book is crisp from start to finish, with an absorbing plotline, and doesn't blunder in spite of the multitude of characters it introduces from time to time. It is possible that this is helped by the fact that the book was originally written in English, and then translated into Turkish. Although I have not read any of Shafak's other books, I note that one of the leading criticisms of some of her other works is their poor translation from Turkish to English.

What I thought also stood out was that the language used in the book did not betray any sign of being too contemporary, and very convincingly fit in with what how you may imagine the era in which the book was written to be. The book is replete with some beautifully expressed thoughts and words. Much of the wisest words said in the book come from Sinan himself, who is perceptive about buildings and human nature alike. Sinan is portrayed as a calm and patient teacher, zealously dedicated to each building he helped create. It is said that Sinan was involved in the creation of over 300 structures in his lifetime.

The Sulemaniye Mosque in Istanbul, one of Sinan's prominent creations.

Some liberties have been taken with the historical timelines in the story, as the author acknowledges in her note at the end of the book. But much of it is based in fact, and it is evident that the material for the book, which is so seamlessly woven into a riveting tale, has been researched with meticulous diligence. Anybody with some interest in architecture is likely to enjoy this book. As is anybody else looking for a narrative that flows like water, and is capable of transporting the reader to the past without any effort.

This book was particularly special for me, having seen some of the Sinan's magnificent work in Istanbul, as also the site of his grave. Following my visit to Istanbul, I did read some follow up literature on Sinan's architecture, but this book is unique for attempting to engage with Sinan on a more holistic level, with the author attempting to re-construct his personality.

The holidays are coming up, and if you'd like to settle down with a an elegantly written page-turner, this would be a good choice!