14.03.2026 17:40
Following the death of İlber Ortaylı, known as the man who rekindled Turkey's love for history, emotional statements came from his close friend, academician Celâl Şengör. Şengör stated that Ortaylı was one of Turkey's greatest intellectuals and that his loss created a significant void in the country. He expressed that they had a long-standing friendship and that he learned something new from Ortaylı in every conversation, stating that it is impossible to fill Ortaylı's place.
After the passing of İlber Ortaylı, one of Turkey's leading historians, condolence messages poured in from the academic world, while one of his closest friends, Celâl Şengör, also made an emotional statement. Şengör stated that Ortaylı's loss represents a significant void for Turkey.
"A PART OF TURKEY'S INTELLECTUAL CAPACITY HAS BEEN LOST"
Expressing that he felt deep sorrow upon hearing the news of Ortaylı's death, Celâl Şengör used the following words:
"İlber Ortaylı was one of Turkey's greatest intellectuals. If you ask me, he was the greatest intellectual. His loss is a great loss for our nation. When I heard of his passing, I felt that a significant part of Turkey's intellectual capacity had been lost."
"I LEARNED SOMETHING NEW IN EVERY CONVERSATION"
Emphasizing that he had a close friendship with İlber Ortaylı for many years, Şengör stated that the time they spent together was a great school for him.
"İlber was a very close, good friend of mine. Every time I said hello to İlber, I learned something new from him. Now that opportunity is gone. I am very sad."
"IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO FILL HIS PLACE"
Şengör noted that Ortaylı was not only an academic name but also possessed a unique intellectual wealth, expressing that his loss is difficult to compensate for.
"The compensation for İlber's loss is impossible. It is no longer possible to find a family like his, nor is it possible to find a mind like İlber's. Therefore, I extend my condolences to our nation. I hope we can raise more İlbers."
Celâl Şengör and İlber Ortaylı had been among the most prominent figures in discussions about history and science in Turkey, both through their academic work and the television programs they made together over the years.