Elif Shafak

Elif Shafak is an internationally acclaimed Turkish-British novelist, essayist, and advocate for women's rights and freedom of expression. Born in 1971, Shafak has published 19 books, with 12 novels, including the Booker Prize-shortlisted *10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World*. Her works, such as *The Bastard of Istanbul* and *The Forty Rules of Love*, explore complex themes of identity, belonging, memory, and the intersections of East and West. Writing in both Turkish and English, her storytelling often weaves cultural and historical layers, resonating with a global audience. Shafak is also a public speaker and contributes to literary and political magazines worldwide.