Türkiye launches encyclopedia of Turkish World to preserve cultural heritage

The Ataturk Research Center (ATAM) has launched the Türk Dünyası Ansiklopedisi (Encyclopedia of the Turkish World), a comprehensive work that covers Turkish history, cultural values, and prominent figures across nine categories.

The encyclopedia, which has contributions from 99 authors, was initially published in Azerbaijani Turkish and plans are in place for translations into other Turkic languages, including Kyrgyz, Kazakh, and Uzbek. It is also set to be translated into Western languages to broaden global awareness of the Turkish world.

Why it matters

This encyclopedia serves as a vital resource for preserving and promoting the rich history and culture of the Turkish-speaking world. By providing information across multiple languages, it aims to strengthen historical connections among Turkish communities from Anatolia to Central Asia and foster a better understanding of Turkish culture worldwide.

Details

• Categories: The encyclopedia is divided into nine categories, covering a wide range of subjects within Turkish culture and history:
  • Turkish states
  • State leaders
  • History and culture
  • Turkish communities
  • Language and literature
  • Geography and space
  • Science and art
  • Pioneering women in the Turkish world
  • Intellectuals and thinkers
• Author contributions: A total of 99 authors contributed to the work, which aims to provide researchers with a comprehensive look at Turkish culture and values.
• Digital access: The digital version of the encyclopedia has gained significant traction, with over 6,000 accesses within just 10 days of its launch, reflecting high public interest.
• Future plans: In addition to completing translations into more Turkic languages, plans are in place to translate the work into Western languages, broadening the reach of the encyclopedia’s insights into the Turkish world.

Zoom in

The Encyclopedia of the Turkish World provides an essential look at the shared heritage of the Turkish-speaking world. With its detailed entries on the diverse cultures, histories, and intellectuals of the region, the encyclopedia becomes a foundational resource for understanding the connections and legacies of Turkish communities across the globe.

Zoom out

By embracing digital platforms and international translations, this project reflects broader efforts to ensure the Turkish world’s history and culture are recognized on the global stage. The encyclopedia contributes to a larger movement of documenting and sharing the rich diversity of Turkish civilizations, creating an accessible tool for both scholars and the general public worldwide.