ISTANBUL – Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı, the great figure of Turkish historiography who left an indelible mark on the minds of generations and one of our country’s greatest intellectual assets in the international arena, has passed away.

In his message of condolence and commemoration regarding this great loss, Murat Tüzel, Chairman of the Tourism Commission of the CHP Istanbul Provincial Directorate and Chairman of the Tourism Commission of the Şişli City Council, drew attention to the importance of İlber Ortaylı for the Turkish nation and world culture with the following words:

“Today, we have lost not just a historian, but the living memory of an era, the master of words and time, a unique value who read every stone of Anatolia with its spirit. Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı has been a compass for all of us with his unique character, uncompromising intellectual stance, and unwavering commitment to these lands.

He was a true guide who transformed tourism from a simple ‘site’ visit into a ‘civilization reading’ and a deep journey of ‘meaning.’ Our teacher, who branded every value of Turkey from gastronomy to architecture, from art to diplomacy, who broadened the horizons of our professional tourist guides and instilled in us the consciousness of protecting our cultural heritage as a national duty, will never be replaced.

Our condolences to the Turkish nation. His voice will continue to resonate in every city we visit, every monument we look at, and every historical texture we breathe. I wish God’s mercy upon our teacher, and patience and condolences to his grieving family and our esteemed nation.”

İlber Ortaylı will always be remembered as the greatest advocate of cultural tourism, the soft power of Turkey, with the monumental works he left behind, the thousands of students he trained, and the aesthetic vision he added to the tourism sector.

Respectfully,

Murat TÜZEL
Chairman of the Tourism Commission of the CHP Istanbul Provincial Directorate
Chairman of the Tourism Commission of the Şişli City Council