Orhan Kemal is one of the leading authors of Turkish literature, and through his works tries to grasp the deepest layers of human nature. He has put an inerasable mark on Turkish literature with his character Murtaza, who has been the subject of many films and plays as well. Kemal illustrates the complicated situation this character finds himself in, using a rich language full of black humour.

Murtaza's story is about being stuck between authority and the wish to do things correctly. The main character finds himself in more and more unsolvable situations while trying to make concessions for righteousness. He thereby creates a growing gap between understanding human nature and protecting absolute principles.

Murtaza is one of the most important classics of Turkish literature, a must-read for any reader.