How many books has Chinghiz Aitmatov written?

Chinghiz Aitmatov published 5 novels and 3 novellas that we list, as of September 2026.

What order should I read Chinghiz Aitmatov's books in?

Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Jamilia.

What is Chinghiz Aitmatov's most famous book?

Jamilia (1958) is Chinghiz Aitmatov's most widely read book.

Which Chinghiz Aitmatov books have been adapted?

5 books have been adapted for film or TV, including Jamilia (as Djamila, film, 1969), The First Teacher (film, 1965), Farewell, Gulsary! (as Farewell Gulsary, film, 2008) and The White Ship (film, 1976).

Chinghiz Aitmatov books in order

Soviet and Kyrgyz author

Lived: 1928–2008
Country: Kyrgyzstan
Books: 8

Chinghiz Aitmatov published 5 novels and 3 novellas, beginning with Jamilia (1958).

Updated September 2026

Where to start with Chinghiz Aitmatov

Start here
Jamilia
Chinghiz Aitmatov's most-read book.

Standalone novels in order

The First Teacher (1962)
Adapted for film
Buy
Farewell, Gulsary! (1966)
Adapted for film
Buy
Spotted Dog Running at the Edge of the Sea (1977)
Buy
The Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years (Sep 1983)
Adapted for film
Buy
The Place of the Skull (1986)
Buy

Novellas in order

Jamilia (1958)
122 pagesAdapted for film
Buy
The White Ship (1970)
Adapted for film
Buy
Cranes Fly Early (1975)
Buy

Film and TV adaptations

Djamila (1969)Film · from Jamilia
The First Teacher (1965)Film · from The First Teacher
Farewell Gulsary (2008)Film · from Farewell, Gulsary!
The White Ship (1976)Film · from The White Ship
Shambala (2019)Film · from The White Ship
Mankurt (1990)Film · from The Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years

About Chinghiz Aitmatov

Chinghiz Torekulovich Aitmatov was a Kyrgyz author who wrote mainly in Russian, but also in Kyrgyz. He is one of the best-known figures in Kyrgyz literature.

Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

Chinghiz Aitmatov FAQ

How many books has Chinghiz Aitmatov written?: Chinghiz Aitmatov published 5 novels and 3 novellas that we list, as of September 2026.
What order should I read Chinghiz Aitmatov's books in?: Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Jamilia.
What is Chinghiz Aitmatov's last book?: The Place of the Skull (1986).
What is Chinghiz Aitmatov's most famous book?: Jamilia (1958) is Chinghiz Aitmatov's most widely read book.
Which Chinghiz Aitmatov books have been adapted?: 5 books have been adapted for film or TV, including Jamilia (as Djamila, film, 1969), The First Teacher (film, 1965), Farewell, Gulsary! (as Farewell Gulsary, film, 2008) and The White Ship (film, 1976).

Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers. Last updated September 2026.