One of the leading figures of Turkish historiography, renowned academic and author Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı, has passed away. Ortaylı, who made significant contributions to bringing the science of history to wider audiences through his academic studies, books, and lectures for many years, leaves behind a profound sense of loss in the worlds of science and culture.

Born in 1947 in Bregenz, Austria, Ortaylı pursued his education in Türkiye and devoted his academic life particularly to Ottoman and Turkish history. Serving for many years as a university professor, he became widely recognized as a leading authority in the field of history through his scholarly research and numerous publications.

The President of the Marmara Group Foundation, Dr. Akkan Suver, issued a condolence message regarding the passing of İlber Ortaylı and stated:

“I learned with deep sorrow of the passing of Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı, one of the distinguished figures of Turkish historiography. İlber Ortaylı was not only a historian but also a valuable scholar who shaped our cultural life. A great friend of the Marmara Group Foundation, he participated in countless events we organized over the past forty years in Istanbul, Brussels, Paris, and Ankara, representing the enlightened face of Türkiye with his ideas.

Last year, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Marmara Group Foundation, he was deemed worthy of the Bernard Lewis History Award and received his award from former Minister of Foreign Affairs Hikmet Çetin.

İlber Ortaylı was a man of thought who believed in the intellectual vision of the Marmara Group Foundation, participated in our activities, and presented papers both at our events and at the Eurasian Economic Summit. He was a leading intellectual who worked to preserve and pass on to future generations the virtuous examples from the past that humanity needs for its future.

As the Marmara Group Foundation family, we commemorate our great friend and my dear colleague Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı with respect and mercy. We extend our condolences to his family, his students, and the Turkish Nation.”