Elif Shafak, born Elif Bilgin on October 25, 1971, is a remarkable Turkish-British novelist, essayist, public speaker, political scientist, and activist. Writing in both Turkish and English, she has published 21 books, gaining international recognition and having her works translated into 57 languages.

Shafak's literary prowess is evident in her acclaimed novels such as The Bastard of Istanbul, The Forty Rules of Love, Three Daughters of Eve, 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World, and The Island of Missing Trees. Her writings often explore themes of Eastern and Western culture, women's roles in society, and human rights, with a notable focus on Istanbul.

Her bold approach to addressing politically sensitive topics, including child abuse and the Armenian genocide, has led to legal challenges in Turkey, prompting her move to the United Kingdom. Shafak holds a PhD in political science and is an advocate for women's rights, minority rights, and free speech. She has taught at prestigious institutions such as St Anne's College, Oxford University, and has delivered inspiring talks at TED Global.