The White Mosque

Set against the backdrop of the late nineteenth century, the narrative follows the journey of German-speaking Mennonites who settled in Central Asia, led by a charismatic figure anticipating Christ's return. Sofia Samatar's modern exploration of this history reveals the establishment of Ak Metchet, a unique Christian village in a Muslim region. Through her journey, she encounters diverse characters linked to the Silk Road and delves into themes of cultural identity, faith, and her own mixed heritage as a Swiss-Mennonite and Somali-Muslim.