11.03.2026 11:30
It has emerged that historian İlber Ortaylı is battling serious health issues. Ortaylı's close friend, journalist Fatih Altaylı, said, "Do not hold back your prayers and good wishes."
It has been learned that historian, academic, and author Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı is receiving treatment in the hospital. It was stated that Ortaylı, who is an honorary member of the Turkish Historical Society, is struggling with serious health issues.
Journalist Fatih Altaylı made striking statements regarding the health condition of his close friend İlber Ortaylı in an article he wrote. Altaylı noted that Ortaylı has been battling serious health problems for several days and asked his loved ones for prayers and good wishes.
In his article, Altaylı stated, "Dear readers, my dear friend, our beloved İlber Ortaylı, whom you all love, has been struggling with very serious health issues for the past few days. If you believe, do not withhold your prayers; if you do not believe, do not hold back your good wishes for him."
HE UNDERWENT TWO SURGERIES LAST MONTH
Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı announced the surgery he underwent on February 8, 2026, in his column in Hürriyet newspaper. Ortaylı stated that he underwent a lengthy operation at Koç University Hospital and later shared information about additional interventions that were performed.
In his article dated February 15, Ortaylı expressed that the surgery was successful, but he later experienced a sudden health issue and explained that the bleeding was stopped with a second operation.
In his article, Ortaylı thanked the healthcare workers, stating, "The surgery last week was successful. The lovely, hardworking nurses were on duty. However, I suddenly fell ill this Sunday night. A sudden bleeding was stopped with a new operation."