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Ayşe Osmanoğlu
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The Gilded Cage on the Bosphorus: The Ottomans : The Story of a Family (A Novel set during the twilight years of the Ottoman Empire) (The Ottoman Dynasty Chronicles) Kindle Edition

by Ayşe Osmanoğlu (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
3.9 out of 5 stars 241 ratings
"A richly woven carpet of a book." Katherine Mezzacappa

Set against the magnificent backdrop of Imperial Istanbul during the twilight years of the Ottoman Empire, The Gilded Cage on the Bosphorus is a mesmerising tale of love, duty and family.

Istanbul, 1903.

Ever since his younger brother usurped the Imperial throne, Sultan Murad V and his family have languished in enforced confinement for nearly thirty years.

As the new century dawns, anarchy and revolution threaten the established order; powerful enemies plot the fall of the once mighty Ottoman Empire; and only death can free 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 destroy all that Murad loves… Can the birth of a newborn prince breathe hope into an uncertain future?

For over six centuries the history of the Turks and their vast and powerful Empire has been intertwined with the Ottoman dynasty. Can this remarkable family, and the Empire they built, survive the tempest of change as the world enters a new era?


Elegantly evocative and irresistibly captivating,The Gilded Cage on the Bosphorus is perfect for fans of Allison Pataki, Fiona Valpy, and Ken Follett.

"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
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  1. Part of series
    The Ottoman Dynasty Chronicles
  2. Print length
    529 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    May 27, 2020
  6. File size
    1.5 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

Ottoman Empire, Sultan, harem, Palace, Istanbul, Bosphorus, historical fiction, Turkey
Middle Eastern Historical Fiction

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B089BXY9Z4
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Hanedan Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 27, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.5 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 529 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1916361416
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Part of series ‏ : ‎ The Ottoman Dynasty Chronicles
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.9 out of 5 stars 241 ratings

About the author

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Ayşe Osmanoğlu

Ayşe Osmanoğlu

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Ayşe Osmanoğlu was born and raised in England. She is a member of the Ottoman Imperial family, descended from Sultan Murad V through her grandfather and Sultan Mehmed V (Mehmed Reşad) through her grandmother. After reading History and Politics at the University of Exeter, she obtained an M.A. in Turkish Studies from SOAS, University of London, where she specialised in Ottoman History.

Ayşe lives between Türkiye, France and the United Kingdom with her husband, five children and mischievous cat. Her research and literary works concentrate on the late Ottoman period, exploring narratives embedded in her imperial heritage.

Her debut novel, 'The Gilded Cage on the Bosphorus,' was published in May 2020, and 'A Farewell To Imperial Istanbul' was published in spring 2024 to commemorate the centenary of the Ottoman family's exile.

For further information about Ayşe or to learn more about the Ottoman Dynasty, Sultan Murad V, or the other members of the Ottoman Imperial family featured in her books, visit her website or follow her on social media.

To see photographs of the characters, locations and other sources of inspiration for her books take a look at her Pinterest boards.

Customer reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
241 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Cemil
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book
    Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    It is a great book to learn about Sultan Murad, the sultan of the Ottoman Empire who reigned from 30 May to 31 August 1876. The son of Abdulmejid I, he supported the conversion of the government to a constitutional monarchy. An important primary source about his life was coming from the memoirs of one of his consorts, Filizten Hanım, written in the 1930s. This book is also another important source about Sultan Murad V which is written by a family member, Ayse Sultan, one of his grand-granddaughters.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • burlgirl
    4.0 out of 5 stars Just before the fall of the Ottoman empire, something interesting happened
    Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2021
    The book started slowly for me, and the family, who is living in captivity inside of a palace in Istanbul, seemed too perfect for the situation. The patriarch, who is a deposed Caliph, has several wives, concubines and I think "favorites" along with many children. It seemed unreal to me that they all got along so lovingly, without jealousy in a polygamous family. However, I kept reading because I had never read anything about this culture and knowing the author was a descendent of some of these people, I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt.

    Between a quarter and a third of the way in "things happened" that really started to grab my attention, and then, once the ball started rolling, it really picked up speed, Sadly, I ended up reading way past my bedtime :-/ to see what happened. Then, I ended up googling the family because I wanted to see what they looked like. Knowing that all of this happened just prior to the outbreak of WW I and the culture that I was unfamiliar with made this a very interesting book. I fear that the ending is crying out for a sequel, and I hope the author obliges. I strongly ask that the next book include pictures of these real people.
    14 people found this helpful
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  • Carla F. Berry
    3.0 out of 5 stars Chaotic Times for Ottoman Empire
    Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    A complex interweaving of familial relations with increasingly revolutionary aggressions in modernizing nations. Too many imperial names and personalities and emphasis on clothes and furnishings to illustrate the distance between imperial class and commoners.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Tony Horkan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable book
    Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2024
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    An enjoyable historical account told in a vividly descriptive writing style. The author captures the human emotion of the characters to bring the story to life.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • LMS
    2.0 out of 5 stars It could have been so much better…
    Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I respect the fact that it was written by a Muradiye family member and therefore will be a personal history and colored by that…however, this is a two dimensional depiction and could have been so much more.

    All the writer’s imprisoned family members are kind, saintly, learned persons, as are those who are free - well, except for Sultan Hamid who is cruel, but still sophisticated and skilled at statecraft.

    This could have been so much more, but like too much lokum (Turkish delight) or sugared almonds, it palls. 69 mentions of the type of sherbet the family sips is ridiculous, as are pages of descriptions about the dress of these imprisoned women. And don’t get me started about the devotion that the family servants display…surely no one is this naive? And why devote 30 pages towards the ending to explaining the importance of Jerusalem to all three faiths?

    This is a pretentious work. And it’s a pity because it could have been so very much more.
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Jessica Belmont
    4.0 out of 5 stars The Guilded Cage on the Bosphorus by Ayşe Osmanoğlu
    Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2021
    The Guilded Cage on the Bosphorus by Ayşe Osmanoğlu is beautifully written. It is an account of the trials and tribulations of this family, and it moved me. It took me through all the emotions, and I was just very impressed with the writing.

    The story moves along at an excellent pace and keeps you invested in these people and their lives. The way they are all tied together was nicely written and I was never confused.

    This is quite a compelling read. I wasn’t sure what it would be like when I started reading but am happy to have it in my “read” collection, and have a new-to-me author to follow.

    Don’t miss out!

    Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the review copy and the opportunity to honestly review this book on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good book
    Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2021
    I loved the details about the lives of of the family. The Father of the family was imprisoned for his life for his forward thinking ideals and values. His family suffered from his imprisonment and tried to appease those in power. Both a sad and joyful book, in how they endured.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • AYSUN
    1.0 out of 5 stars This is not a historical novel
    Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I bought this book thinking it would tell history from a personal point of view; however, this book sounds more like a story about what the women wore. There are long detailed descriptions of the outfits each person wore I did not expect a book about fashion. I could not finish the book. I did not get what I expected.
    9 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Andre Delfos
    4.0 out of 5 stars The tragic story of Sultan MuradV 28 year incarceration of his extended family in Çırağan Palace.
    Reviewed in Australia on July 4, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    A study of the family trees of this illustrious family tells us that the author’s Father and her late Grandfather were Princes in their own right and descended from Sultan MuradVth.
    The author’s paternal Grandmother was descended from Sultan Resad.
    I was captivated by fantasizing that the author must have been privy to the secrets, intrigues and day to day meetings of the incarcerated Sultan’s family by hiding behind the heavy velvet curtains of the Çırağan Palace then running back to her Suite and writing it all down in her diary to be shared at a later date.
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  • Gigi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written, enchanting stories
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 3, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This book, which follows the lives of the people - fathers, mothers, sons and daughters - who made up this branch of the Ottoman Imperial family in the waning years of the dynasty. It brings to life their joys and tragedies and so opens a window into a part of history little known in the West. It is a history that reads like a novel in the tradition of Hilary Mantel and Lady Antonia Fraser. Ayşe Osmanoğlu has the enviable skill to make this fascinating social history both enjoyable and informative.
    Customer image
    Gigi
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Beautifully written, enchanting stories

    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 3, 2020
    This book, which follows the lives of the people - fathers, mothers, sons and daughters - who made up this branch of the Ottoman Imperial family in the waning years of the dynasty. It brings to life their joys and tragedies and so opens a window into a part of history little known in the West. It is a history that reads like a novel in the tradition of Hilary Mantel and Lady Antonia Fraser. Ayşe Osmanoğlu has the enviable skill to make this fascinating social history both enjoyable and informative.
    Images in this review
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  • Mrs Books
    5.0 out of 5 stars An incredible story, written exquisitely!
    Reviewed in Germany on June 16, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A book that offers a fascinating glimpse into the Ottoman Empire, written by Ayşe Osmanoğlu, an author who is also a member of the Imperial Ottoman Family.

    Let me start by telling you that I love Turkish writers. Orhan Pamuk has made me fall in love with the rich beauty of Istanbul, while Elif Shafak helped me get better acquainted with Sufism. She introduced me to Rumi, and I will always feel grateful to her for that. When I came across this wonderful book, I was immediately intrigued. I read the description on the back and I knew this would become one of my all-time favorite books.

    There were so many things I loved about the book:
    - Rich descriptions of Imperial life – it was interesting to read about the different traditions, such as the processing of the cradle, which was done for new babies born in the Imperial Ottoman family
    - Intrigue & conflict – I think the author wanted to show that the frailty of an empire is often accentuated from the inside. At the same time, we had the opportunity to realize the members of the Imperial Family were mere humans, with flaws and weaknesses. They made mistakes but their position rarely allowed for redemption, they were either punished on the spot or forced to live a life full of regret and guilt.
    - Characters – I applaud the author for bringing them once again to life, I think this is the best way to tell history, through the people who actually got to live it.
    - Detailed accounts of the clothes and foods from back then – they contributed to the exotic backdrop of the story, standing as proof that a lavish life might have seemed great from the outside but it brought little comfort to those living behind the heavily-guarded gates.
    - History lesson – the book offers such a detailed account of the Imperial Family and life in captivity. As readers we are introduced to complex topics, explained through the characters, in a way that anyone can understand (threats on the Ottoman Empire, rising nationalism, emerging power blocks).

    This is, without any doubt, one of the best books I have ever read. It is the kind of story that draws you in from the start. The author has a natural talent for writing and it was a pleasure to travel back in time, reading about the complex life and challenges of the Ottoman Imperial Family. Highly recommended!
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  • Alison Morton
    4.0 out of 5 stars Evocation of a sad but magnificent past
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 3, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Many people come across 'The Ottomans' as a brief note in their pre-First World War history lesson at school without ever considering them as a family. But like many ruling families in the past, dynastic conflict abounds and members are put aside, imprisoned or 'disposed of'.

    In this beautifully written, intimate account of the last of the Ottomans, we see one branch, although living very comfortably in a magnificent palace are as confined as any prisoners as the patriarch has been deposed as ruler. Their lives are impoverished in every mental way. Generations are born in captivity. None travel outside and none can be educated or given a role to serve their country. Yet their sense of family is extremely strong and this is their emotional salvation.

    The patriarch, the frustrated sons, the women, who even if they marry, have very few opportunities – all found a way into my heart. Their extended family system will feel very strange to many Western readers, but it is very much part of the life of the aristocratic life in the Ottoman Empire of the time.

    The writing is beautiful, even elegiaic and the detail vivid. The author as a descendant has the insider's knowledge and point of view. This is an unusual and intriguing book and recommended.
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  • Angusian
    3.0 out of 5 stars Faction !
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 7, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A curious combination of historical facts with fantastical reproduction! Despite the heavily underscored claim to first hand reportage, this book is hardly acceptable for its factual representation. It conjures well the claustrophobic atmosphere of Ottoman royalty condemned to life in the gilded cage of the title, but the dialogue becomes turgid and unbelievsble
    For those interested in the recreation of late Ottoman Turkey this is a must; read with a critical eye!
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