In the late 1590s, the Sultan secretly commissions a great book: a celebration of his life and his empire, to be illuminated by the best artists of the day - in the European manner. At a time of violent fundamentalism, however, this is a dangerous proposition.
A novel on Turkey featuring a group of students infatuated with a book. One of them has even abandoned his studies to make copies by hand so others can share it. It is never made clear what the book contains, but while the young are enthusiastic their elders think the contents are degenerate, another example of foreign influence ruining the country