Semiha Cemal

Semiha Cemâl’s The Prophet of Love

(Aşk Peygamberi, 1923)

Translated into English for the First Time

Kenan Center for Turkish Cultural Studies has completed the first-ever English translation of Semiha Cemâl’s 1923 novel, Aşk Peygamberi (The Prophet of Love).

As one of the earliest philosophical and mystical novels penned by a Turkish woman writer, Aşk Peygamberi offers a rare window into the spiritual and intellectual universe of early Republican Turkish literature. Rich with Sufi metaphysics, poetic language, and meditations on love, selfhood, and transcendence, the novel holds a unique place in Turkish literary history.

Now rendered into English for the first time, this powerful work will soon be introduced to a global readership. The translation preserves the lyrical and metaphysical depth of the original while being supported by a scholarly introduction and extensive annotations. This project is part of our broader mission to make the richness of Turkish literature more accessible worldwide, particularly the underrepresented voices of women writers and thinkers.

Publication details and release date will be announced soon.