"A richly woven carpet of a book." Historical Novel Society

**Brothers bound by blood but fated to be enemies. Can their Empire survive or will it crumble into myth?

Istanbul, 1903.**

Since his younger brother usurped the Imperial throne, Sultan Murad V has been imprisoned with his family for nearly thirty years.

The new century heralds immense change. Anarchy and revolution threaten the established order. Powerful enemies plot the fall of the once mighty Ottoman Empire. Only death will bring freedom to the enlightened former sultan. But the waters of the Bosphorus run deep: assassins lurk in shadows, intrigue abounds, and scandal in the family threatens to bring destruction of all that he holds dear…

For over six hundred years the history of the Turks and their vast and powerful Empire has been inextricably linked to the Ottoman dynasty. Can this extraordinary family, and the Empire they built, survive into the new century?

Set against the magnificent backdrop of Imperial Istanbul, The Gilded Cage on the Bosphorus is a spellbinding tale of love, duty and sacrifice.

**Evocative and utterly beguiling, The Gilded Cage on the Bosphorus is perfect for fans of Colin Falconer, Kate Morton and Philippa Gregory.

"With intelligence and sensitivity, Ayşe recreates the dramatic story of our family." Kenize Mourad, author of the international best-seller Regards from the Dead Princess**

NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR

Many books have been written about the twilight years of the Ottoman Empire, but few tell the intimate story of the members of the Imperial family. Prompted by a desire to keep their memory alive and to light a spark of interest in the hearts of my five children – a spark which I hope will one day develop into a flame of pride in their ancestry – I began to write this account of Sultan Murad V and his descendants, who for many long years were held captive in the Çırağan Palace by the shores of the Bosphorus.

The result is neither an historical novel, nor an academic study – it seems to me to sit somewhere in between! I am fully aware that I have only lightly sketched the characters, as I felt disloyal even considering embellishing or misrepresenting their true natures; and I certainly do not claim to be a History professor. In addition I make it quite clear where my sympathies lie, and make no apologies for this: I would ask the reader to remember that I am writing about my own family, and essentially for my own family, so I trust that a little bias will be thought permissible!

It is my hope that readers will enjoy this journey back in time to the splendour of Imperial İstanbul, that lost world ruled over by the House of Osman. I hope, too, that during the hours they spend in their company they will feel able to open their hearts a little to the family of Sultan Murad V.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ayşe Gülnev Osmanoğlu is a member of the Imperial Ottoman family, being descended from Sultan Murad V through her grandfather and from Sultan Mehmed V (Mehmed Reşad) through her grandmother. After reading History and Politics at the University of Exeter, she then obtained an M.A. in Turkish Studies at SOAS, University of London, specialising in Ottoman History. She lives in the UK with her husband and five children.

To find out more about Ayşe Osmanoğlu, or to read blog posts on the Ottoman Empire, Middle Eastern History, Sultan Murad V, or the other members of the Ottoman Imperial family featured in the book visit www.ayseosmanoglu.com.
To see photographs of the characters and other pictures behind the inspiration for the story, visit www.pinterest.co.uk/aysegulnev/.