Literary Centers and Figures in Turkey in the 19th Century and the Beginning of the 20th Century

Abstract

The historical ties between Turkey and Georgia indeed span centuries, fostering a rich cultural exchange and a shared heritage. Both nations have experienced periods of close cooperation and mutual interest, leading to a deep understanding and appreciation of each other's cultures, languages, and literature. In recent times, Turkey has evolved into a western-oriented, democratic nation with which Georgia maintains strong, friendly relations.
The historical connections between the two countries have led to similarities in their cultural heritage, history, literature, and traditions. This shared treasure trove of culture and history serves as a common heritage, necessitating its study, preservation, and presentation—an endeavor of interest to both Georgian and Turkish researchers. While political relations have been longstanding, literary contacts between Turkey and Georgia began developing more prominently in the last century. Georgian scholars recognized the significance of translating Turkish literature early on, considering it a crucial task for the new era. Interest in Turkish history, language, and literature has persisted in Georgia, reflected in the multitude of academic works—monographs, dissertations, articles, and studies—exploring Turkish-Georgian literary relations, Turkish language influence on Georgian, and other related subjects. Georgian readers have exhibited a growing interest in Turkish literature, particularly in the last decade. Literary critics attribute this increased attention to the substantial cultural similarities shared between Georgian and Turkish culture.
The work “Literary Centers And Figures in Turkey in the 19th Century And the Beginning of the 20th Century” sheds light on the educational centers established by Georgians abroad. These centers, built with immense effort and dedication, faced numerous challenges, including destruction caused by famine, the loss of valuable manuscripts, and theft. Despite these hardships, the Georgian Savane in Istanbul stands out as a beacon of Georgian culture. It served as a haven where
philosophers, clergy, prominent figures in Georgian culture and science, and renowned historical figures congregated and worked, preserving a slice of Georgian heritage in a foreign land.