The Janissary Tree

Set in Istanbul in 1836, The Janissary Tree was the first Yashim mystery to be translated into over forty languages. The story revolves around the Ottomans’ notorious infantry corps, the Janissaries, who were also craftsmen, musicians and fine chefs. When they mutinied, they would overturn the huge cauldrons in which they cooked their rice, and drum on them with wooden spoons.

“‘The other day you quoted something to me – an army marches on its stomach. Who said that? Napoleon?’ Palewski pulled a face. ‘Typical Napoleon. In the end his armies marched on their frozen feet.’