Acclaimed Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk who was earlier acquitted by an Istanbul court of denigrating his country’s Anti-Turkishness law and who is often regarded as the champion of liberal Turkey has won the Noble Prize for literature.

Long known as an ardent critic of authoritarian trends in Turkey and campaigner of Turkey’s European aspirations, Orhan Pamuk is seen as a hero by liberal Turks wishing to see Turkey take its rightful place in the European Union but considered a ‘traitor’ by nationalists.  54 year old Pamuk who wrote “White Castle”, “My name is Red” and “Snow” among other internationally popular publications has been a writer for thirty years pushing the boundaries of what can and cannot be said in modern Turkish society. In his book latest book, Pamuk asserted that one million ethnic Armenians were massacred in 1915, an issue that is highly sensitive in Turkey. To illustrate his point further, Pamuk bravely asked Turks how they would feel to be an Armenian in 1915.

His bold and curagious writing and a later interview he gave to a Swiss newspaper, where he stated that the massacres of Armenians in Turkey was a taboo topic for the country led to his consequent trial, in a country where anachronistic laws on ‘protecting Turkishness’ counter balance the right of freedom of expression.

Accused of “denigrating Turkishness,” Pamuk was brought to an Istanbul court where he risked imprisonment if found guilty of violating Article 301. Outside riot police attempted to halt the advance of a mob of nationalist rioters, who consider Pamuk a thorn in their side. However, Pamuk was acquitted of the charges in January after strong protest from the European Union and international writers as well from writers and intellectuals within Turkey.

Receiving news of his prize while in New York, where Pamuk is currently lecturing Literature at the University of Columbia, Pamuk welcomed the decision as a chance for the West to “review Turkish literature as a culture of peace.”

The prize, which was announced by Swedish literary historian Horace Engdahl, the head of the Swedish Academy received warm appreciation and applause from liberal circles within Turkey and from the European Union, which Turkey is striving to join. Amounting to the sum of 10 million Swedish Kronars (£728,000), Pamuk’s win has also been welcomed by officials in the Turkish government, but has infuriated nationalists.

Since the decision was announced British bookstores have claimed a record interest from members of the British public seeking books written by Pamuk. Publishers too anounced that they have had to increase orders from multiple printers to deal with the growing interest in Pamuk’s work.