The new novel by famous contemporary writer Faina Grimberg tells the story of the life of Osman I, the Turkic leader who laid the foundation for the great power of the Ottoman Empire. The novel is interesting not only for its entertaining plot, but also for its truly encyclopedic coverage of information about folklore, everyday life, and the history of the Balkan Peninsula and Asia Minor in the 12th–14th centuries. Osman, nicknamed Al-Ghazi (i.e., the conqueror). In 1288 he inherited from his father dominance over the Turkish hordes inhabiting Asia Minor. Gradually expanding his possessions, he became the ruler of the independent Turkish state. After the victory over the Seljuks in 1299, Osman was proclaimed sultan, and the victory over the Byzantines in 1301 made his name known throughout the world.