Elif Şafak (born 25 October 1971) is a Turkish author, columnist, speaker and academic. She has been called Turkey's most popular female novelist. Her writing draws on diverse cultures and literary traditions, reflecting interests in history, philosophy, Sufism, oral culture, and cultural politics. Şafak also uses black humour. She was awarded the title of Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2010.

Elif Shafak is the acclaimed author of nine novels including The Architect’s Apprentice, The Bastard of Istanbul and Honour. Şafak was born Elif Bilgin in Strasbourg to philosopher Nuri Bilgin and Şafak Atayman, who later became a diplomat. After her parents' separation, Şafak was raised by her mother. She is one the most widely read female writer in Turkey. Her works has been translated into more than forty languages and she regularly contributes to publications including The New York Times, Financial Times, Guardian, Independent, Newsweek and Time magazine. She works with The London Speaker Bureau and is a TED Global speaker. Elif Shafak has previously been long listed for the Orange Prize,, the baileys prize and the IMPAC Dublin Award, and shortlisted for the independent Foreign Fiction prize. She is based in London with her two children.