As an author, few moments are as profoundly moving as hearing that your book has deeply touched a reader’s heart. Today, I am humbled and overjoyed to share a review posted on Goodreads of The Gilded Cage on the Bosphorus that left me speechless.
To hear someone describe my book as their ‘favourite one of the year 2024’ is an honour beyond words. Their passionate reflections, profound insights, and heartfelt appreciation remind me of why I write. I am incredibly grateful to Feyza, and it is with great joy that I share her review with you all. I hope it may inspire you to read The Gilded Cage on the Bosphorus and open your hearts to Sultan Murad V and his family.
Review by Feyza (December 2024)
Absolutely fantastic. I can confidently say that this book is my favourite one of the year 2024.
How do I even begin? I have so many things to say, but not a single word is enough to express how much I loved this book. Phenomenal!
“Was it not ironic, he mused, that the very man who had cared so much about the ability of others to enjoy their right to freedom should himself have to endure the curtailment of that most fundamental right?”
Sultan Murad the fifth is like an open gap in Ottoman history. A secret that hides so much truth within itself and raises so many moral questions about brotherhood and commitment. Everyone seems to know something about him, describing him with accusations and a stamp of shame.
But his story reveals so much more to us than a mental crisis and a bitter failure: A human with lots of love for his people and his country, a man who contains the best of two worlds: a fusion between West and East, a person with compassion and closeness to his family. A composer, a reader, a thinker, an enlightened gem searching for meaning and solution. A man who is a practicing Muslim but also just a normal servant of Allah with imperfections, whose story teaches us countless lessons about life, duty and hope. His longing for a great change in his empire pushes him into a deep abyss, caused by political intrigue and power games. His ill-fatedness leads to a burden that follows him and his family for the next 30 years: loss of freedom. A fate many other princes of the Ottoman Dynasty had to endure, however a story that is like no other.
Nevertheless, he was the Caliph and Head of State of the Ottoman Empire for 93 days and no one can take that away from him.
“No, he concluded, it had been no time to hand over power to a collection of irresponsible utopian idealists, ‘Murad, Murad! Forgive me, but I had no other choice’ “
“Abdülhamid had refused permission for him to leave Ciragan. Murad had learnt to forgive his brother for many things, but Abdülhamid’s heartlessness in this matter weighed on him heavily, and he asked himself if he would ever be able to find it in his heart to forgive him.“
At first, I was getting a little suspicious that the author may have an extremely negative attitude towards Sultan Abdülhamid. And honestly rightly so, as a direct descendant of Sultan Murad, we cannot expect her to think otherwise about the late Sultan. Long years of mental suffering under the rule of Sultan Hamid, being in captivity for 2 generations.
But the author surprised me so much that I stood there, jaw on the floor each time, flabbergasted, marking the lines with great admiration and eagerly turning the pages as she was not only criticizing the Sultan for his wrongs, but also praising him for his sacrifices and ambition trying to maintain the crumbling empire with great effort.
The complicated relationship between the two brothers was presented with such clarity as never before. Both perspectives were revealed precisely, which was incredibly important to me. I could literally feel Abdülhamid’s worries, paranoia and responsibility towards his brother, as well as Murad’s disappointment and heartbreak that were lurking between the pages. Despite all of this, the bond and brotherly love the two had for each other made me emotional and I bitterly envisioned their relationship falling apart over the years, never a chance to be restored.
“Politicians and intellectuals were encouraged by Murad’s interest in liberalism and reform, and were attracted by his eagerness to debate with them and discuss the pressing issues of the day. The ladies of the European courts were equally captivated, being fascinated by the mystery and allure that surrounded this handsome, surprisingly forward-looking prince from the Orient, and were spellbound by his dark, trusting eyes, his soft, gentle voice and his impeccably refined manners.“
What can be said about the contemporary background of the novel and the author’s historical input is that it is very much a matter of preference. Personally, I really enjoyed reading the long phrases about the difficult political climate at the beginning of the 20th century! Be it the end of the Tsar’s rule in Russia, the extremely complex situation of the Ottoman Empire due to the rise of radical nationalism or the parallels drawn between Russia and Turkey (caused by the ever-increasing pressure for radical reforms in the political system). Everything was very smoothly written and appropriately integrated into the characters’ conversations. Just like what history freaks like me look for! (Again sending much love to the author for including the conflict in Palestine, importance of our Holy Lands and the danger of Zionism!!!)
What I particularly liked and what I was searching for was the information and insight into the State Visit of Sultan Abdulaziz, featuring Prince Hamid & Prince Murad. Following this important but overlooked event through Murad’s perspective was a breath of fresh air and made me very happy, as it helped me understand the motives and political view of the imprisoned Sultan much better. Kudos to the author for the excellent research work 🙂
“Tears streamed down Selahaddin’s cheeks, yet he made no attempt to hide them from these people who were welcoming him so warmly as he rode past.”
“She held a silver tray on which rested a small dish containing pieces of Turkish Delight flavoured with orange blossom and lightly dusted with powdered sugar, and beside it three fine white porcelain cups encased in enamelled silver zarfs. The rich aroma of the slowly-brewed coffee distracted the princes from the dancing…“
Last but never least: The Muradiye family in captivity in the Ciragan Palace on the beautiful shores of Bosphorus. In memory of one’s ancestors, I don’t think there is a better way to honor them other than writing such a fascinating book. Humanizing them and giving them a voice: That’s exactly what the author did! I became friends with everyone in the family, laughed with them, mourned with them. Each of them, in their own way, left a special imprint on the history of the Hanedan-ı Âl-i Osman. In a bitter or beautiful way, I saw their humanity, understood their fears, their desires. Especially those of the infamous Hatice Sultan.
Not forget to mention the countless traditions these people kept alive, deeply entangled with their belief in Allah and the customs of Islam (written with amazing portrayal!!!!). While reading, I was drawn into a familiar, but also magical world, I could sense the smells and tastes. The author’s writing style was light as feathers yet so impactful that I found myself in a state of longing, wanting to relive the long lost, true essence of our culture.
There are still so many things that I want to praise and mention here but it’s getting out of hand (haha), so here are some scenes that are very dear to me, occupying a special place in my heart:
– Reconciliation of Hatice and Naime
– Muradiye Family’s first step into freedom
– Abdülhamid learning about his brother’s death
– Sultan Murad enjoying his time with his family
Thank you dear Ayse Hanim. Thank you for carrying your family’s name with pride. May Allah bless you and reward you with endless beauty here and in the afterlife.
