Elif Shafak

Elif Shafak is a Turkish writer who has given keynotes on her books and the subjects that they deal with. Shafak's novels have been translated into more than 30 languages. She was awarded with the title of Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters.

Shafak grew up in Turkey, but has also lived in Boston, Michigan, Arizona, Istanbul and London. Shafak graduated from the International Relations program at Middle East Technical University. She is a political scientist. She has a Master's degree in Gender and Women’s Studies and a Ph.D. in political science.

Shafak is a contributor to a major newspaper in Turkey called the Haberturk. She's also been published in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and The Guardian.