14.03.2026 09:00
Turkey has lost its esteemed scholar. A funeral ceremony will be held for the distinguished historian Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı on Monday, March 16. In a statement made by his family, it was emphasized that no flowers should be sent to the funeral, and instead, donations should be made to the Turkish Education Foundation.
One of Turkey's leading historians, academic and author Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı has passed away. With his deep historical knowledge, sharp analyses, and impressive narrative style, Ortaylı reached a wide audience, making significant contributions to the development of historical awareness not only in the academic world but also in various segments of society. Over the years, Ortaylı left a mark on Turkey's intellectual life with the works he authored, the conferences he held, and the comments he made, leaving behind a strong legacy of thought.
FIRST CEREMONY ON MONDAY
The first ceremony for Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı, considered one of Turkey's most important historians, will be held on March 16, 2026, Monday, at Galatasaray University. At the memorial service, which will take place at 11:00 AM, academics, students, and admirers will commemorate the master historian for the last time.
WILL BE FAREWELLED AT FATIH MOSQUE
After the ceremony at Galatasaray University, Ortaylı's funeral will be brought to Fatih Mosque. A funeral prayer will be held for the distinguished historian following the afternoon prayer. After the funeral prayer, İlber Ortaylı's body will be laid to rest in the Fatih Mosque Cemetery.
CALL FOR DONATIONS FROM HIS FAMILY
In a condolence announcement published by the family, it was requested that no flowers be sent to the funeral. The statement expressed that those who wish to send flowers are kindly asked to make donations to the Turkish Education Foundation instead.
The family's published statement included the following expressions:
“We have lost Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı, the son of the late Şefika Karaşay Ortaylı from Akmescit and the late Kemal Ortaylı from Kefeli; the brother of Emeldar Ortaylı, Enver and Sevil Ortaylı, Nuriye Ortaylı; the uncle of Kemal Ortaylı, Oytun and Işıl Ortaylı; the great-grandfather of Deniz Ali Kazıcı and Defne Kazıcı; the beloved father of Tuna Ortaylı; historian, academician, author, and the liberal teacher of the Turkish people. A memorial service will be held on March 16, 2026, Monday, at 11:00 AM at Galatasaray University. The deceased will be buried in the Fatih Mosque Cemetery following the funeral prayer to be held after the afternoon prayer on the same day. We kindly request that no flowers be sent and that those who wish may make donations to the Turkish Education Foundation.”
HIS WILL HAS BEEN REVEALED
In a previous interview, İlber Ortaylı had given a notable response to a question about his grave. When asked, “Do you have a will regarding your grave?” Ortaylı replied, “It will probably be in Gallipoli. I don’t want it here. I don’t like crowds.”
ERDOĞAN'S CONDOLENCE MESSAGE: I FELT DEEP SORROW
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed his deep sorrow in a condolence message shared for İlber Ortaylı, stating, "I felt deep sorrow at the passing of our esteemed Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı, who earned the respect of our nation with his intellectual personality, knowledge and accumulation, books, research, and academic works, and who was the recipient of the Presidential Culture and Arts Grand Award. I pray for God's mercy upon Mr. İlber Ortaylı; I extend my condolences to his grieving family, students, friends, all his admirers, and our academic community. May God grant him a place in paradise."