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.
Publication date: March 2020
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Ebook Edition
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First Edition Hardback and Bookmark
● Ebook
● Bookmark (One of four designs)
First Edition Hardback and Exclusive Print
● Ebook
● Your name in the back of the book
● Exclusive A6 print by strangelykatie
First Edition Hardback and Bookmark – Full Set!
● Ebook
● Full set of four bookmarks
First Edition Hardback and Limited Edition Letterpress Postcard
● Ebook
● Your name in the back of the book
● Limited edition Letterpress postcard
Signed Bookplate First Edition Hardback
● Signed bookplate
● Ebook
● Your name in the back of the book
First Edition Hardback and Enamel Pin
● Ebook
● Your name in the back of the book
● The Carpet Merchant of Konstantiniyya enamel pin
Two First Edition Hardbacks
● Ebook edition
Collector's Edition Silver
● Ebook
● Your name in the back of the book
● Signed bookplate
● Full set of bookmarks
● Enamel pin
● A6 print by strangelykatie
Artist Commission
● 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!
Collector's Edition Gold
● 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!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take for my book to get dispatched?
Where can I get my book delivered to?
If I buy an ebook, when will I receive this?
Where can I buy a copy if there's none available through the Unbound website?
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
Quick select rewards
Ebook Edition
Is there and end date set for the crowdfunder? I'm not sure yet which tier I'd like to pledge for, but I don't want to wait too long and miss it.
It’s three months long (or shorter), so tentatively the campaign ends on the 15th of September. Best to pledge as soon as you’re able! Thank you!!
Will we be charged at the time of backing or after the campaign is complete?
At the time of backing
Is there a way to purchase an additional book with an additional name at the back of the book for a friend in the same pledge to reduce shipping cost?
Hi Eugene, There certainly is. Just go for the Two Hardbacks level and then you can add the names once you've pledged. Best wishes, Unbound Support
Will the books be shipped anywhere Internationally? Or is it limited to a few countries?
As far as I am know, the books can be shipped anywhere.
If this doesn't get funded until the 15th, will there be a second try? :/
The campaign looks like it will run on for longer than the 15th so no worries here.
What’s the last day of the campaign currently?
There's currently no definitive date, but with the way the campaign is going, I hope to get the book funded before the end of this year so I can get editorial/production started. Thanks so much for being an early supporter and for your patience/trust!
I pledged for the First Edition Hardback and Exclusive Print tier, and I want to add the full bookmark set to my pledge. Is there a way to include both print and bookmarks without upgrading to the Collector's Edition Silver tier?
Hi Vivian! Please email me (reimenayee@gmail dot com) to request for a custom bundle and I’ll forward it to my editor, who will arrange it for you! Thank you so much for the support!
Hey Reimena! I've ended up moving since I made my pledge, can I still change my address?
You can indeed Shelley. Just head over to your account (unbound.com/account) to do this. Unbound support