The Carpet Merchant of Konstantiniyya

By Reimena Yee

An Eisner-nominated graphic novel set in 17th century Istanbul, centered around a carpet merchant and his relationship with faith, love and home in the aftermath of his death by a vampire.

Graphic novels & comics | Sci-fi & Fantasy
122% funded
775 supporters
Published

Publication date: March 2020

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You made The Carpet Merchant of Konstantiniyya a reality. It's available in all good book stores now.
$7 
134 pledges

Ebook Edition

The ebook for Vol I! 336 pages of candy-coloured historical goodness, in an easy to read digital edition (better than the website!). Read it on the ipad or the laptop at your leisure. Comes with a supplementary guidebook, which contains historical background and author’s notes detailing the research that went into the story.
Buy now

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$25  + shipping
251 pledges

First Edition Hardback

● First edition hardback
● Ebook
$30  + shipping
114 pledges

First Edition Hardback and Bookmark

● First edition hardback
● Ebook
● Bookmark (One of four designs)
$35  + shipping
35 pledges

First Edition Hardback and Exclusive Print

● First edition hardback
● Ebook
● Your name in the back of the book
● Exclusive A6 print by strangelykatie
$35  + shipping
29 pledges

First Edition Hardback and Bookmark – Full Set!

● First edition hardback
● Ebook
● Full set of four bookmarks
$35  + shipping
5 pledges

First Edition Hardback and Limited Edition Letterpress Postcard

● First edition hardback
● Ebook
● Your name in the back of the book
● Limited edition Letterpress postcard
$40  + shipping
23 pledges

Signed Bookplate First Edition Hardback

● First edition hardback
● Signed bookplate
● Ebook
● Your name in the back of the book
$40  + shipping
129 pledges

First Edition Hardback and Enamel Pin

● First edition hardback
● Ebook
● Your name in the back of the book
● The Carpet Merchant of Konstantiniyya enamel pin
$50  + shipping
18 pledges

Two First Edition Hardbacks

● Two copies of the first edition hardback
● Ebook edition
$75  + shipping
29 pledges

Collector's Edition Silver

● First edition hardback
● Ebook
● Your name in the back of the book
● Signed bookplate
● Full set of bookmarks
● Enamel pin
● A6 print by strangelykatie
$190  + shipping
3 pledges

Artist Commission

● First edition hardback
● Ebook
● Your name in the back of the book
● Signed bookplate
● Limited edition letterpress postcard
● Opportunity to commission the artist to draw digital artwork for you (people portrait, pet portrait, or illustration of anything!)

Only 10 available!

$250  + shipping
3 pledges

Collector's Edition Gold

● First edition hardback
● Ebook
● Your name in the back of the book
● Signed bookplate
● Full set of bookmarks
● Enamel pin
● Limited edition letterpress postcard
● Exclusive print by strangelykatie
● Opportunity to commission the artist to draw digital artwork for you (people portrait, pet portrait, or illustration of anything!)

Only 10 available!

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The Carpet Merchant of Konstantiniyya is a two-volume, historical graphic novel originally published online. It was recently nominated for an Eisner Award, the most prestigious award in the comics medium.

I’ve been writing and illustrating The Carpet Merchant since 2016. During the last 3 years it’s become the love of my life. Now, thanks to Unbound, Volume I - all 336 pages of it - is coming to life as a gorgeously printed hardback!


ABOUT VOLUME I

A FRAGMENT OF A TURKISH TALE

Set in 17th century Istanbul, during the Ottoman era, Vol I is about the relationship between the main character Zeynel, and fellow carpet merchant Ayşe, starting from his introduction to the world of carpets as a teenager and ending at his unwilling transformation into a vampire (a djinni) in middle-age.



The story is told through a visual style inspired by Ottoman illumination and miniature, and heavily incorporates Ottoman era decorative arts plus carpet designs. Every page is a visual funfest, and best enjoyed as a book, flipping through the pages.


Vol I is comprised of two books:



BOOK ONE - THE CARPET MERCHANT

Ayşe is an Anatolian girl from a tiny village but with big dreams. Unfortunately history and geography are not entirely in her power, so she seeks marriage out of practicality. She meets Zeynel, the son of a highly-esteemed scholar family, who is already accomplished himself. But while she is sure of herself and knows what she wants and how to achieve it, he is insecure and pressured to live up to the expectations and desires of other people. Perhaps there is more to their meeting than just chance.



BOOK TWO - THE VAMPIRE

25 years later, Zeynel is the husband of an amazing and successful businesswoman, and he could see nothing but joy in the vistas of his present and future. One evening while on a business trip he plays the Good Samaritan to a mysterious traveller… which turns out to be a mortal mistake. Forced into an unfortunate circumstance he must learn to reconcile his old identity with his new vampiric curse, and make sacrifices to protect the people he loves, but that also means learning to let go.


This comic is available in its original form, as a free webcomic: reimenayee.com/the-carpet-merchant


ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN

Every supporter who pledges to this campaign will have their name printed in every edition of the book.

The book itself is a hardback, containing 336 full-colour pages. All the story and art are completed. The only things left to do are pre-press and another round of editorial.


For those who like goodies, there are rewards available.


ABOUT THE REWARDS


Exclusive merchandise: enamel pin, bookplate, letterpress postcard, and special print by Katie O’Neill (aka strangelykatie, creator of Eisner-nominated Tea Dragon Society)



Postcard and bookplate in detail.



Exclusive bookmarks. All bookmarks are now available!


Special tiers include: signed copies, signed copies + doodle, commission slots for portraits (pet and person)


Portfolio for portraits: reimenayee.com/bespoke


Thank you!


Video animation by Natalia Mercado nataliam.squarespace.com

Music composed by Eli Rainsberry elirainsberry.com

Buy

Quick select rewards

$7 
134 pledges

Ebook Edition

The ebook for Vol I! 336 pages of candy-coloured historical goodness, in an easy to read digital edition (better than the website!). Read it on the ipad or the laptop at your leisure. Comes with a supplementary guidebook, which contains historical background and author’s notes detailing the research that went into the story.
Buy now
$25  + shipping
251 pledges

First Edition Hardback

● First edition hardback
● Ebook