In spite of the propagandistic bones that jut out unhandsomely here and there, [The Lords of Akchasaz: Murder in the Ironsmiths Market], Kemal's latest evocation of the mythic, blood-drenched, earth-rooted civilization of Turkey's Chukurova plains,… fairly shudders with passionate drama and scenery alive with portent. Here he chronicles the mastadon conflict between two Beys (feudal lords)—an honorable chunk of tradition in an era of encroaching Western-influenced materialism and bureaucracy…. Some rather more delicately shaded characters also have their moments, but this first-of-a-trilogy is essentially a throbbing lament for the days of giants, splattered with gore and battle cries … while also demonstrating Kemal's sure craft and awesome emotive reach. And for those puzzled by our much-in-the-news, leftist-Muslim brethen—worth some study.

A review of "The Lords of Akchasaz: Murder in the Ironsmiths Market," in Kirkus Reviews (copyright © 1980 The Kirkus Service, Inc.), Vol. XLVIII, No. 5, March 1, 1980, p. 311.