Istanbul, a city where history whispers in every cobblestone street and culture dances in every bazaar, has been on my to-visit travel bucket list since high school (when an aunt and uncle were living there). For a variety of reasons, I wasn’t able to make the trip then, but this week, I’m packing to head to Istanbul for the annual SATW Convention. I’ll finally get there, and I’m pretty excited about it.

As I prepare for my first visit, I’ve been looking for books and movies set in this major city. While I soon be wandering Istanbul’s labyrinthine streets, sipping Turkish coffee in a cozy café, and gazing at the mesmerizing Bosphorus, a little prep work has gotten me in the mood.

Books will transported us to the Byzantine era, exploring the majestic Hagia Sophia and the intricate mosaics of the Chora Church. Feel the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire, wander the opulent halls of Topkapı Palace, and the serene courtyards of the Blue Mosque, as you get lost in the pages of a book. I feel a connection to the modern-day vibrancy of the city and I haven’t left home yet.

Through the words of talented authors, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for Istanbul’s rich history, diverse culture, and stunning beauty. As I get ready to begin my journey, I’m eager to see firsthand the places that have inspired so many stories.

I can’t wait to taste the flavors of Turkish cuisine and soak up the city’s atmosphere. But first – a 12 hour flight.

Here are 30 books set in Istanbul, listed in alphabetical order. I’ve queued a couple up for the reading on the flight, and have a few more bookmarked to read later. Click on the title to learn more. I hope you find one that captures your interest.

This list offers a diverse range of fiction and non-fiction books set in Istanbul, spanning various genres and time periods. It provides readers with multiple perspectives on this fascinating city, from historical accounts to contemporary narratives.

1. 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak – A novel exploring the life and memories of Tequila Leila in her final moments.
2. A Memento for Istanbul by Ahmet Ümit – A crime novel that doubles as a historical journey through Istanbul.
3. A Mind at Peace by Ahmet Hamdi Tanpınar – A lyrical novel set on the eve of WWII, exploring the anxieties of a cosmopolitan Istanbul family.
4. A Strangeness in My Mind by Orhan Pamuk – Chronicles the life of a street vendor in Istanbul from 1969 to 2012.
5. A Useless Man: Selected Stories by Sait Faik Abasıyanık – A collection of short stories set in mid-20th century Istanbul.
6. Back to Istanbul: On Foot Across Europe to the Great Silk Road by Bernard Ollivier – A 75 year old man heads out to trek the entire 1,900 mile Silk Road.
7. Birds Without Wings by Louis de Bernières – An epic tale set in a small Anatolian town, exploring the impact of historical events on its inhabitants.
8. Black Sea by Neal Ascherson – A cultural and historical exploration of the Black Sea region, including Istanbul.
9. Constantinople: City of the World’s Desire by Philip Mansel – A comprehensive history of Constantinople/Istanbul from 1453 to 1924.
10. Enlightenment by Maureen Freely – A political thriller set in modern Istanbul.
11. Farewell: A Mansion in Occupied Istanbul by Ayse Kulin – A novel set during the Allied occupation of Istanbul after World War I.
12. Farewell Fountain Street by Selçuk Altun – A gripping tale of two men uncovering secrets in Istanbul.
13. From the Holy Mountain by William Dalrymple – A travelogue tracing the steps of 6th-century monk John Moschos, including Istanbul.
14. Galata Bridge by Geert Mak – A portrait of Istanbul through the lens of its famous bridge.
15. Hotel Bosphorus by Esmahan Aykol – First in a series of crime novels featuring a Turkish bookseller-detective.
16. Intrigue in Istanbul by Erica Ruth Neubauer – A wanderlust-inspiring historical mystery featuring the adventures of a young American widow.
17. Istanbul: A Tale of Three Cities by Bettany Hughes – A comprehensive guide to Istanbul’s history from ancient times to the present.
18. Istanbul Istanbul by Burhan Sönmez – A powerful story of four prisoners sharing tales of the city above them.
19. Istanbul: City of Majesty at the Crossroads of the World by Thomas F. Madden – A biography of the city at the center of civilizations past and present.
20. Istanbul: Memories and the City by Orhan Pamuk – A memoir exploring the author’s relationship with his hometown.
21. Istanbul Noir edited by Mustafa Ziyalan and Amy Spangler – An anthology of noir stories set in various Istanbul neighborhoods.
22. Istanbul Passage by Joseph Kanon – A spy thriller set in post-WWII Istanbul.
23. Istanbul: The Imperial City by John Freely A comprehensive history of Istanbul from ancient times to the present.
24. Last Letter From Istanbul by Lucy Foley – Escapist holiday read full of secrets.
25. Last Train to Istanbul by Ayşe Kulin – A novel about Turkish diplomats working to rescue Jews from Nazi-occupied France.
26. Like a Sword Wound by Ahmet Altan – First in a quartet of novels about the fall of the Ottoman Empire.
27. Midnight at the Pera Palace by Charles King – The birth of modern Istanbul through the lens of its most famous hotel.
28. Murder in Constantinople by A.E. Goldin – Travel and intrigue set in Constantinople (prior name for Istanbul) in the 19th century.
29. My Name is Red by Orhan Pamuk – A murder mystery set in 16th-century Istanbul.
30. Portrait of a Turkish Family by Irfan Orga – A memoir of an upper-class Ottoman family in early 20th-century Istanbul.
31. River of The Dead by Barbara Nadel – A crime novel set in contemporary Istanbul. This series of books is the inspiration behind BBC’s The Turkish Detective.
32. Silent House by Orhan Pamuk – A family saga set in a small town near Istanbul.
33. Songs My Mother Never Taught Me by Selçuk Altun – A thriller that takes readers through the forgotten landmarks of old Istanbul.
34. Strolling Through Istanbul by Hilary Sumner-Boyd and John Freely – A comprehensive guide to Istanbul’s architecture and history.
35. Tell Them of Battles, Kings, and Elephants by Mathias Enard – A historical novel imagining Michelangelo’s journey to Constantinople.
36. The Adventures of Asva in Istanbul by Niyati Goel – A picture book suitable for kids.
37. The Architect’s Apprentice by Elif Shafak – A novel about a boy who becomes an apprentice to the great Ottoman architect Sinan.
38. The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak – A novel exploring the Armenian-Turkish conflict through two families.
39. The Birds Have Also Gone by Yaşar Kemal – A non-fiction work exploring the changing face of Istanbul.
40. The Black Book by Orhan Pamuk – A surrealist novel set in Istanbul, blending mystery and philosophy.
41. The Bridge by Geert Mak – An exploration of the Galata Bridge and its significance in Istanbul’s history.
42. The Dervish House by Ian McDonald – A science fiction novel set in a near-future Istanbul.
43. The Flea Palace by Elif Shafak – A novel exploring the lives of residents in an Istanbul apartment building.
44. The Janissary Tree by Jason Goodwin – First in a series of historical mysteries set in 19th-century Istanbul.
45. The Gilden Cage on the Bosphorus by Ayse Osmanoglu – A family drama set against the backdrop of the Ottoman Empire.
46. The Museum of Innocence by Orhan Pamuk – A novel about obsessive love set in Istanbul between 1975 and the early 2000s.
47. The Pasha of Cuisine by Saygin Ersin – A historical novel exploring Ottoman cuisine and culture.
48. The Sultan’s Seal by Jenny White – A mystery novel set in late 19th-century Istanbul.
49. The Time Regulation Institute by Ahmet Hamdi Tanpınar
    A satirical novel about the modernization of Turkey, set partly in Istanbul.
50. To The City: Life and Death Along the Ancient Walls of Istanbul by Alexander Chritie-Miller – Turkish history told via the crumbling defensive walls of Istanbul.

NOTE: I’m in the process of writing the prompts for our 8th Annual Travel Reading Challenge List. If you’re an avid reader or traveler, we’ll be announcing it in late December. You can take a look at th 2024 list here.

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