Orhan Pamuk's debut novel, "Cevdet Bey and His Sons," chronicles three generations of an affluent Istanbul family, the Işıkçıs, from the final decades of the Ottoman Empire through the early Turkish Republic. This sweeping saga delves into the profound social and political transformations shaping Turkey in the early 20th century, exploring themes of modernization, Westernization, and national identity. As the family navigates commercial ambitions and personal desires, Pamuk meticulously paints a vibrant portrait of a nation in flux, reflecting on the enduring tensions between tradition and progress. It is a foundational work offering deep insights into modern Turkish society.