Turkish scholar’s objects displayed at a museum
ANTALYA - Anadolu Agency
There will be new items in the museum in a year, his grandchildren say. AA photos
One of the significant names of Turkish-Islamic art, Elmalılı Hamdi Yazır, who translated the Quran into Turkish, is being preserved at a museum opened in the southern province of Antalya’s Elmalı district.Within the scope of the project, titled “Şehr-i Elmalı,” jointly carried out by the Elmalı District Governorate, Elmalı Municipality, Akdeniz University, District National Education Directorate and Elmalı Culture Tourism Solidarity Association to promote and preserve historical and cultural values, a two-story building has been turned into the Elmalılı Muhammed Hamdi Yazır City Museum. The museum is home to Yazır’s 16 original manuscripts, provided by his family, his books, a wall clock, mirror, pens that he used while translating the Quran, inkwell, writer, ruler, prayer beads, chess and copies of some documents.
Hamdi Yazır, the grandson of Yazır, said his grandfather had been born in Elmalı and was sent to his uncle in Istanbul for education in his childhood. He said his grandfather was only known for Quran translation but he had also been a calligrapher, lawyer, deputy and minister. “It is very meaningful that this museum was opened in the neighborhood where my grandfather was born. It will make great contribution to show his art to the public.”
Yazır said before opening the museum, some scientists and professors had done work in Yazır’s library and the family gave his items to the museum. He said tourists visiting the town would learn about Yazır.
The museum is home to Elmalılı Hamdi Yazır’s
personal items provided by his grandchildren (L).
Yazır said the museum had been opened a few days ago and they would give new items to the museum in a year.
A granddaughter of Yazır, Esra Habbab, said the museum had become their second home. “We came to my grandfather’s homeland and keep his memories alive.”
Elmalı district Gov. Mehmet Murat Çekmen said the district was known as a place of science, culture and civilization. He said society did not know Yazır very well and had been unable to benefit from his knowledge so they decided to open the museum.
Çekmen said they were introduced to the Yazır family last year during the Elmalılı Hamdi Yazır Symposium, organized by Akdeniz University Faculty of Theology, and told them about the museum project, which was greatly supported by the family.
He said that the museum would also contribute to Elmalı’s tourism. “Visitors to Elmalı think that Yazır’s tomb is here. They want to visit him but his tomb is in Istanbul. The museum will enable them to know more about him.”
