13.03.2026 18:31
Messages of condolence have been pouring in following the passing of historian and author Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı, who had been receiving treatment in intensive care for some time. AK Party spokesperson Ömer Çelik stated, "We have lost a great value. May God have mercy on him. May his place be in paradise," while the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Numan Kurtulmuş, expressed, "I learned of the passing of Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı, one of the great historians our country has raised, with deep sadness."
Historian and author Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı, who had been receiving treatment in intensive care at a private hospital for a while due to health issues, passed away at the age of 79 after being intubated as his condition worsened.
CONDOLENCE MESSAGES IN A ROW
The news of Ortaylı's death plunged his loved ones and the scientific community into mourning, while condolence messages from politicians poured in. The condolence messages shared for Ortaylı are as follows:
Speaker of the Grand National Assembly Numan Kurtulmuş: I learned of the passing of Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı, one of the great historians our country has raised, with deep sorrow. Professor İlber, with his vast historical knowledge, left an indelible mark in the world of science with his studies, research, and evaluations. I wish him mercy from Allah; I extend my condolences to his family, loved ones, and students. May his place be paradise.
Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz: I learned with sadness of the passing of Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı, one of the distinguished figures of Turkish historiography. Professor İlber, who dedicated his life to science and the strengthening of our nation's historical consciousness, has left deep traces in our country's intellectual life with his knowledge, works, and the generations he raised. I wish him mercy from Allah, and I extend my condolences to his family, students, and the scientific community. May his place be paradise, and his rank exalted.
Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır: I learned with sadness of the passing of Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı, a distinguished historian and scientist of our country, who is an Honorary Member of the Turkish Academy of Sciences and a recipient of the Presidential Culture and Arts Grand Award. I was fortunate to know him for his cheerful personality and to witness his pleasant conversations. I wish him mercy from Allah, and I extend my condolences to his family and loved ones. May his place be paradise.
Minister of Interior Mustafa Çiftçi: I have learned with deep sorrow of the passing of Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı, a distinguished figure in Turkish historiography and a valuable scientist. Mr. Ortaylı, who dedicated his life to strengthening historical consciousness and transferring our culture and civilization heritage to future generations, has earned a special place in our memories with his valuable contributions to the world of science. He was also honored with the Presidential Culture and Arts Grand Award for these valuable services. Mr. Ortaylı was a valuable teacher who trained many students through his courses on Turkish Administrative History and Turkish Islamic Thought History at Ankara University’s Faculty of Political Sciences, providing us the opportunity to benefit from his scholarly knowledge. I wish mercy from Allah for the late Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı; I extend my condolences to his family, relatives, students, and the scientific community. May his place be paradise.
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdülkadir Uraloğlu: I learned with deep sorrow of the passing of the great name of Turkish historiography, the valuable scientist İlber Ortaylı. With his unique expertise in history, vast knowledge, and inspiring narration to generations, our esteemed Professor İlber Ortaylı has left indelible marks in our country’s culture and thought world; he will always be remembered with respect for his scholarship, stance, and love for his homeland. I wish mercy from Allah for the deceased; I extend my condolences to his family, loved ones, and the scientific community. May his place be paradise.
Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum: Some people leave a mark not only on their time but also on the future. İlber Ortaylı was such a name. I wish mercy from Allah for our esteemed Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı, whose scientific, intellectual, and cultural legacy we will always remember; I extend my condolences to his family, relatives, and loved ones.
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy: I learned with deep sorrow of the passing of Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı, one of the leading figures in Turkish historiography, a recipient of the Presidential Culture and Arts Grand Award, who greatly contributed to the dissemination of historical consciousness to the masses with his scholarly knowledge and strong narration. Ortaylı, who left a very valuable legacy in the field of history with his academic works, publications, and the students he raised, was not only a scientist but also an important intellectual who pioneered the development of historical consciousness in society. I wish mercy from Allah for the deceased; I extend my condolences to his family, students, our scientific community, and all his loved ones.
Minister of Health Kemal Memişoğlu: Turkey has lost a great value, a historical genius. I learned with great sorrow of the passing of our esteemed professor Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı, one of the most distinguished values raised by our country. I wish mercy from Allah for our professor; I extend my condolences to his family, students, and our dear nation. May his place be paradise, and his rank exalted. May we be consoled.
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu: I learned with deep sorrow of the passing of the great name of Turkish historiography, the valuable scientist İlber Ortaylı. With his unique expertise in history, vast knowledge, and inspiring narration to generations, our esteemed Professor İlber Ortaylı has left indelible marks in our country’s culture and thought world; he will always be remembered with respect for his scholarship, stance, and love for his homeland. I wish mercy from Allah for the deceased; I extend my condolences to his family, loved ones, and the scientific community. May his place be paradise...
President of the Communications Directorate Burhanettin Duran: I learned with great sorrow of the passing of our esteemed Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı, historian and author, and recipient of the Presidential Culture and Arts Grand Award. The valuable contributions he made to the field of history, the works he authored, and the countless students he raised have left deep marks in our country’s scientific and cultural life. I wish mercy from Allah for Mr. Ortaylı; I extend my condolences to his family, loved ones, and the scientific community. May his place be paradise, and may his soul rest in peace.
CHP Chairman Özgür Özel: I learned with deep sorrow of the passing of our esteemed professor Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı, who made significant contributions to our country’s intellectual life with his knowledge, experience, and ideas, and who instilled a love of history in millions. I wish mercy from Allah for him; I extend my condolences to his family, students, and our nation. May we be consoled.
AK Party Spokesperson Ömer Çelik: We are very sad. We have lost our esteemed elder İlber Ortaylı, who is truly a scholar, truly a master, and truly a son of the homeland. We are now deprived of a great value. May Allah have mercy on him. May his place be paradise.
Mayor of Ankara Mansur Yavaş: I am very sad... We have lost our esteemed professor İlber Ortaylı, who made us love our history, and whose place can never be filled. Thank you infinitely for everything you contributed to this country, Professor. May Allah have mercy on him, and may his place be paradise.