Evliya Çelebi’s Travelogue to be Updated in Authentic Style
Evliya Çelebi’s famous travelogue is set to receive an update, thanks to the efforts of the Evliya Çelebi Research and Application Center at Fatih Sultan Mehmet University. The center has begun preparations to update the travelogue, titled “Travelbook,” in accordance with the original text. This ambitious project aims to produce a 10-volume work, which is expected to take four years to complete, starting in 2024.
The decision to update the travelogue stems from the recognition of deficiencies in the previously published travel books. Prof. Dr. Musa Duman, the director of the Evliya Çelebi Research and Application Center, emphasizes the importance of this study and states that the 10-volume work will be a valuable resource for the academic world. The project has three main goals: a scientific publication based on philological principles, a popular publication derived from the scientific work, and a digital travelogue.
To bring this 338-year-old work to the academic world, Prof. Dr. Musa Duman has assembled a team of experts from various fields. Notable names such as Robert Darkoff, Nuran Tezcan, Hayati Develi, Nurettin Gemici, Zekeriya Kurşun, Slobodon Ilic, and Marta Andric will contribute to the travelogue working groups.
Evliya Çelebi, recognized as a prominent figure in travel literature, holds a special place in Turkish intellectual history. Prof. Dr. Musa Duman highlights the significance of Evliya Çelebi’s travelogue, known as Seyahatname, and its contribution to our understanding of the past. Born in Unkapanı in 1611, Evliya Çelebi comes from a family with bureaucratic ties to the Ottoman Empire. His extensive travelogue, consisting of 10 volumes, covers his travels across nearly 40 countries in the Ottoman geography. It is regarded as an invaluable source of information about the region.
Duman explains that Evliya Çelebi’s travelogue serves as a personal diary of his experiences and includes anecdotes and events that shaped his journey. He had a desire to travel from a young age, which intensified as he heard stories from dervishes traveling to Istanbul from Central Asia. Growing up in a comfortable family environment with a strong educational background, Evliya Çelebi acquired knowledge in various fields, including Arabic, religious sciences, calligraphy, and archery. His cheerful and playful temperament allowed him to be respected wherever he went.
The process of updating the travelogue involves a four-year preparation period starting in 2024. The team of experts will work on simplifying and disseminating the scientific knowledge contained within the volumes. The project has garnered significant interest from scholars and experts in travel literature, including Robert Darkoff, Nuran Tezcan, Hayati Develi, Nurettin Gemici, Zekeriya Kurşun, Slobodon Ilic, Marta Andric, and others. The travelogue is not only significant for Turks but is also relied upon by nearly 40 countries as a primary source of information. The goal of the project is to publish the work in its entirety, making it accessible to the scientific world.
The update of Evliya Çelebi’s travelogue is an important step in preserving and sharing this valuable piece of historical literature. The project aims to provide researchers, academics, and enthusiasts with a comprehensive and updated version of the travelogue, ensuring its enduring legacy.
