BOUNDING up the escalator, heedless of its sluggish ascent, I hasten towards level 1 of Kuala Lumpur's GMBB mall, eager for my rendezvous at Hikayat Fandom, a bookstore belonging to author Ninot Aziz and her husband, Rudy Daud, which houses books, articles and illustrations from Hikayat legends and Asian folklore.
"I'm late," I mutter disgustedly, quickening my steps until I spot her. Ninot, elegant in her all-black kebaya, beams happily as I approach her. Arms wide open, she greets me exuberantly: "So good to see you! It's been ages."
After a heartfelt embrace, she leads me into a cosy little cafe located literally across from her bookstore, where she promptly makes an order for drinks and cakes before herding me to the back of the shop where we can have our chat undisturbed by the lunchtime bustle. "So many cakes, Ninot," I tease, to which she replies with a mischievous grin: "Just eat la, Intan. Bila lagi (when else)!"
In today's bustling literary landscape, where stories breathe life into forgotten histories and imagination transcend the boundaries of time, this award-winning author and folklorist has emerged somewhat of a visionary.
The affable 59-year-old recently unveiled her latest literary outing, Leyla's Quest: Echoes of Uthmaniyah, a young adult novel poised to unravel the mysteries of history through the lens of creative exploration.
SENSE OF PURPOSE
At the heart of Ninot's creation lies Leyla, a modern-day e-gamer of Malaysian-Turkish descent, whose journey of self-discovery intertwines with the echoes of empires long past. From the vibrant streets of Kuala Lumpur to the storied halls of Istanbul's Panorama and Hagia Sophia, the protagonist embarks on a breathtaking odyssey through time and space.
The writer's narrative weaves together historical truths and imaginative storytelling, inviting readers to join Leyla on a journey where fiction and reality converge to illuminate the enduring bonds between civilisations.
"My whole journey with this undertaking was marked with a sense of purpose — a mission to challenge established narratives and uncover hidden connections between the Ottoman Empire and the Malay World," confides Ninot, in between dainty sips of her tea.
Continuing thoughtfully, she adds: "For a very long time, I was, in some ways, going against the grain. The world says there's no connection between the Uthmaniyah (Ottoman Empire) and the Melaka empires. That's the general, accepted worldview."
The Ottoman Empire, historically and colloquially known as the Turkish caliphate, was an imperial realm that spanned much of Southeast Europe, West Asia and North Africa from the 14th to early 20th centuries; it also controlled parts of southeastern Central Europe between the early 16th and early 18th centuries.
Undeterred by scepticism, Ninot embarked on an intensive journey of research and discovery. "I read so many books on Uthmaniyah," she shares, as my own thoughts drift to her shelves lined with volumes that bear witness to her meticulous exploration. Researching, she continues, wasn't just about gathering facts; it was also about understanding the spirit of that era — the scientific and cultural renaissance that flourished amidst the empire's vast reach.
PORTRAYAL OF LEYLA
While Ninot's research into history provided a solid foundation, the path to completing Leyla's Quest was not without its challenges, admits Ninot, before sharing that it took four years for the book to be born. "It wasn't just about connecting historical dots, but it was also about making Leyla's story believable and engaging," reflects the writer thoughtfully.
The novel's evolution was shaped by feedback and introspection. "My editor, John Gillett, challenged me to reconsider my portrayal of the protagonist," recalls Ninot, adding: "John had a look at it, and he said I had a really good story here, but my protagonist didn't come out at all. He told me to put aside all the historical parts first and just write a book on Leyla alone — her actions, her motivations, her journey."
For Ninot, this directive marked a turning point in her creative process. It meant stepping back from the intricate historical tapestry she had meticulously woven and focusing intensely on Leyla, the modern-day e-gamer whose lineage traced back to the storied Janissaries of the Ottoman Empire.
"I began to research gamers — how they train for tournaments, their mindset," remembers the author, before adding that this additional research not only enriched Leyla's character, but also provided insights into the world of competitive gaming, thus grounding the novel's contemporary setting in authenticity.
The challenge, however, lay in more than just fleshing out a character. It was about imbuing Leyla with depth and resonance, ensuring that her journey of self-discovery paralleled the broader historical revelations unfolding within the narrative.
"Understanding Leyla wasn't just about describing her actions," reflects Ninot, before continuing: "It was about delving into her psyche — her doubts, her aspirations, her connection to her ancestry and the echoes of history reverberating through her life."
BELIEVABLE AND READABLE
As the writer immersed herself deeper into her protagonist's world, she discovered layers of complexity that transcended the boundaries of time and space. Leyla, with her roots spanning from modern-day Kuala Lumpur to the imperial splendour of Istanbul, became a conduit for Ninot's exploration of cultural identity and historical legacy.
"The challenge was to make Leyla believable and readable," she admits, her voice reflecting the arduous yet rewarding journey of character development. "It wasn't just about creating a protagonist; but it was also about crafting a voice that resonated with readers — a voice that carried the weight of centuries-old narratives and the vibrant energy of contemporary youth."
Navigating this balance between historical authenticity and narrative vitality required meticulous revision and introspection. "The last two chapters were returned in the same week of going to print," reveals Ninot, tone sheepish.
What happened, I couldn't help asking.
"It was the ending," she replies, simply, before elaborating: "I had two versions initially. The first one was quite bold, almost a commentary on current global narratives and societal dissent. It spoke of rejecting dominant historical narratives and questioning authority — reflection of today's zeitgeist."
Her gaze drifts momentarily to the bustle building up by the cafe's entrance, before she continues with a soft chuckle: "I realised that the original ending felt too didactic, too preachy. So, I rewrote, resulting in an ending that focused more on Leyla herself, her personal journey of self-discovery and resilience."
Gingerly taking another sip of her tea, Ninot confides: "It wasn't just about wrapping up the plot neatly. It was about staying true to Leyla's character, honouring her growth throughout the narrative. The final version ended on a cliffhanger — an unexpected twist that beckons for a continuation, I guess. But definitely, it wasn't something I'd initially planned."
A STORIED BACKGROUND
In reshaping Leyla's portrayal, the author hadn't only drawn from her extensive research into Ottoman history and Malaysian culture, but also from her own experiences as a storyteller deeply rooted in the traditions of the Malay world.
Ninot's journey into the realms of history and Malay culture began long before she became a celebrated author and folklorist. Born and raised in a family where storytelling was a cherished tradition, the writer's early years were steeped in the rich tapestries of Hikayat and Malay folklore.
Growing up in Pahang, her home was a haven of tales spun by her grandmother and mother, both skilled raconteurs who regaled her with stories of ancient kingdoms, legendary warriors, and mystical creatures.
"It was a normal thing for us to tell stories," reminisces Ninot, voice tinged with nostalgia. "My late grandfather, a headmaster, kept his cupboards filled with Hikayat, which became my reading staples alongside Nancy Drew and Enid Blyton."
Her formative years at Assunta Convent in Kuantan deepened Ninot's appreciation for Malay culture. Engaged in school theatre productions like Cik Siti Wan Kembang and Puteri Saadong, she found herself drawn to the captivating allure of traditional performances.
During her career stint at the Royal Lake Club Kuala Lumpur, she found herself involved in activities that promoted a mosaic of Malaysian traditions — from wayang kulit to Mak Yong.
Her dedication to preserving and promoting these cultural gems continued to blossom as she translated works for the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN), becoming a bridge between Malaysia's heritage and modern audiences.
"It's not just about preserving stories," Ninot explains thoughtfully, adding: "It's about ensuring that future generations would be able to connect with their roots, understand the depth of our history, and appreciate the richness of our culture."
Her passion for history and Malay culture eventually evolved beyond personal interest into a mission. Inspired by mentors like Professor Muhammad Haji Salleh and the late Harun Mat Piah, who encouraged her to delve deeper into Malaysia's historical narratives, Ninot found herself embarking on a lifelong journey of research and storytelling.
MISSION TO EDUCATE AND INSPIRE
Beyond her literary endeavours, Ninot has embarked on ambitious projects aimed at spreading knowledge about Malay history and culture. Her ongoing work on an illustrated encyclopaedia of the ancient Malay Archipelago reflects her commitment to bridging generational gaps and instilling pride in Malaysia's diverse cultural heritage.
An encyclopaedia? I splutter, trying to imagine the gargantuan undertaking. Ninot beams in response, before replying: "It's not as tough as you may imagine. I mean, all my life I've been researching extensively. This encyclopaedia will not just be a book of reference; it will be a visual journey through our shared history."
Recalling how the desire was triggered, Ninot shares: "It was actually during a trip to the United Kingdom last year. I happened to find myself wandering into a bookstore there. The shelves were lined with beautifully illustrated encyclopaedias. The one on Africa caught my attention."
As she flipped through the pages, absorbing the intricate details and vibrant illustrations, Ninot's mind raced back to her own beloved Malay Archipelago. Memories of her childhood, steeped in Hikayat and folklore, intertwined with a deep-rooted desire to showcase the splendour of her homeland's history. "That was the spark," muses the author, her voice tinged with determination. "I knew then and there that I had to create something similar for the Malay Archipelago."
The decision to embark on the project was more than just a personal ambition; it was a mission to preserve and amplify the voices of centuries-old kingdoms like Mataram, Majapahit and Srivijaya.
"All these kingdoms have formed part of my research connected to my writings before," Ninot explains, adding: "I wanted to create an illustrated encyclopaedia that not only celebrates our heritage, but also educates future generations about the richness and diversity of the Malay world."
OUR STORIES MATTER
As the mother of five looks towards the future, her gaze is hopeful yet resolute. "My work isn't just for today; it's for the generations to come," she muses, her voice carrying the weight of a legacy in the making. "I want every Malaysian, regardless of background, to feel connected to our shared history."
As Leyla's Quest: Echoes of Uthmaniyah takes its place among the literary treasures of Malaysia, Ninot's impact reverberates beyond the pages. Her journey — from curious child to acclaimed author — is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring relevance of history.
Through her words, Ninot not only invites us to explore distant lands and forgotten epochs, but also encourages us to embrace our own cultural legacies and histories. In a world where narratives are often shaped by dominant voices, Ninot is determined to stand as voice for the forgotten.
Her tireless commitment to shedding light on connections between civilisations and challenging historical orthodoxies is a call to action — a reminder that the stories we tell matter deeply.
Leyla's Quest: Echoes of Uthmaniyah
Author: Ninot Aziz
Publisher: Hikayat Fandom Sdn Bhd
240 pages.
Where to purchase:
1. Hikayat Fandom Book Gallery, Lot 1-21, Level 1, GMBB Mall, Jalan Robertson, Kuala Lumpur
2. Available with Baucer Madani RM100 at Book Capital Mall2
3. Shopee Hikayat Fandom