The title, cover, and release date of Zülfü Livaneli’s upcoming novel from Can Yayınları have been announced. Wait for Me (Bekle Beni) will be available in bookstores starting September 23.
The master of literature, Zülfü Livaneli, is preparing to meet readers with his new novel. Can Yayınları revealed the title, cover, and publication date of the novel, which will hit shelves on September 23.
The book had already sparked curiosity through posters signed “Bekle Beni” that appeared in various parts of Istanbul in recent days. Following this attention-grabbing campaign, the publisher shared the title, cover, and release date. Initial hints about the book’s story will be gradually revealed according to a planned schedule until the publication date. These first details are expected to be announced via Can Yayınları’s official digital platforms in the coming days.
Livaneli, whose 1996 novel Engereğin Gözü was listed among “100 Novels of the Century” by Der Spiegel, was detained following the 1971 coup in Turkey. In 1972, he left the country, living in Stockholm, Paris, Athens, and New York, where he met influential intellectuals such as Abidin Dino, Arthur Miller, and James Baldwin.
Returning to Turkey in 1984, Livaneli became known for bestsellers and critically acclaimed novels including Mutluluk, Serenad, Kaplanın Sırtında, Leyla’nın Evi, and Kardeşimin Hikâyesi. His works have sold over 10 million copies.
In addition to his literary output, Livaneli has composed more than 400 songs and film scores performed by orchestras worldwide; his song Leylim Ley has been interpreted in dozens of languages. He has won numerous awards, including “Best Composer” at San Remo and “Best Film Music” at the Golden Orange Awards.
He was appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in 1995 but resigned in 2016 in protest of the destruction in Sur. Livaneli also served as a member of the 22nd Turkish Parliament and the Council of Europe.
Among his honors, he received France’s Légion d’Honneur in 2014 and Spain’s Federico García Lorca Award in 2025. Cultural centers, parks, and museums bearing his name have been opened in various cities across Turkey.
