Mehmet Fuat Köprülü
Overview
Mehmet Fuat Köprülü (d. 1966) was a renowned Turkish intellectual, historian, and political figure. As a disciple of Ziya Gökalp, one of the most influential thinkers in Turkish nationalist thought, Köprülü’s contributions to Turkish history and literature have left an indelible mark on both academia and politics.
Academic Career
Köprülü taught at Istanbul University from 1913 to 1943, earning international acclaim for his rigorous scholarship in Turkish history and literature. He founded the Institute of Turcology in 1924, emphasizing the cultural and historical connections between Turkey and Central Asia.
Etymology
- Mehmet Fuat Köprülü (Mehmet Fuad Köprülü)
- Arabic: محمد فؤاد كبريلّي
- Turkish: Mehmet Fuat Köprülü
Contributions to Academia
Köprülü’s scholarly work highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the Turkish people, stretching back to their Central Asian roots. His methodology combined modern scholarly techniques with a profound respect for primary sources, making him a pioneer in Turcology.
Political Involvement
Köprülü was elected to the Turkish Grand National Assembly in 1935. He played a significant role in Turkish politics by co-founding the Democratic Party in 1946 alongside prominent figures such as Celal Bayar, Adnan Menderes, and Refik Koraltan. He served as Turkey’s Foreign Minister from 1950 to 1956, but resigned from the Democratic Party the following year in protest against the Menderes government’s increasingly undemocratic practices.
Books for Further Studies
- “Early Mystics in Turkish Literature” by Mehmet Fuat Köprülü
- “The Origins of the Ottoman Empire” by Mehmet Fuat Köprülü
- “Islam in Anatolia After the Turkish Invasion” by Mehmed Fuad Köprülü
- “Mehmet Fuad Köprülü and the Emergence of Modern Turkish Literature” (Edited by Various Scholars)
Takeaways
- Pioneering Scholar: Köprülü’s work remains foundational in the fields of Turkish history and literature, particularly regarding the influence of Central Asian culture on Turkish civilization.
- Political Advocate: His political career was marked by a commitment to democratic principles, underscored by his eventual resignation from the Democratic Party over democratic concerns.
Conclusion
Mehmet Fuat Köprülü’s contributions to academia and politics highlight the enduring value of rigorous scholarship and principled political engagement. His legacy continues to influence the study of Turkish history and the development of Turkish democracy.
