Elif Shafak is a prominent Turkish-British author known for her novels that explore themes of identity, culture, and belonging. Born on October 25, 1971, in Strasbourg, France, she has lived in various countries, which influences her writing style and perspectives. Shafak writes in both Turkish and English, and her works have been translated into over 50 languages. In addition to her fiction, Shafak is an advocate for women's rights and freedom of expression. She has received numerous awards for her literary contributions, including the PEN Award and the British Book Award. Her notable works include "The Bastard of Istanbul" and "10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World."