num_pages: 208
description: At the heart of the Ottoman Empire in the main square of Constantinople a niche is carved into ancient stone. Here the sultan displays the severed heads of his adversaries. People flock to see the latest head and gossip about the state of the empire: the province of Albania is demanding independence again and the niche awaits a new trophyTundj Hata the imperial courier is charged with transporting heads to the capital  a task he relishes and performs with fervour. But as he travels through obscure and impoverished territories he makes money from illicit side-shows offering villagers the spectacle of death. The head of the rebellious Albanian governor would fetch a very high price.The Traitors Niche is a surreal tale of rebellion and tyranny in a land where armies carry scarecrows state officials ban entire languages and the act of forgetting is more complicated than remembering.
language: English
title: The Traitor's Niche
publisher: Vintage Classics