The book “Uthi Haliyoon Istanbul Dy,” authored Javed Iqbal Larik, is a guide to exploring Turkey
Farooq Sargani
The book “Uthi Haliyoon Istanbul Dy,” authored Javed Iqbal Larik, is a guide to exploring Turkey. Before traveling to any historical palace, he searched for particular information on Google and gathered material from various historical sources. It is a fascinating book on the history of the Ottoman Empire and the modern state of Turkey. When I was a student of history and took a course related to the Ottoman Empire, I realized after finishing this book that it contains ample knowledge. I would suggest it to any student of the Ottoman Empire; it may be the only book in Sindhi with such expansive knowledge about history and reflections of modern-day Turkey. As students of history, we have learned the political and economic history of Turkey, but after reading this book, I am amazed by how deeply Turkish society embodies the germs of Sufism.
Moreover, this book not only covers the history of the Ottoman Empire but also the political history of modern Turkey. It includes an enormous collection of proverbs and stories that have enriched the Turkish language for centuries. In general, travelogues are meaningful, but they also illuminate the history, society, and culture of the places visited. In the same spirit, this book presents charming discussions in which the reader experiences joy as well as a deeper understanding of history. When Javed Iqbal Larik was traveling, he always carried numerous books; for example, when he visited Konya, the city of the great Persian poet Rumi, he had with him The Life and Work of the Great Sufi Poet Rumi’s World, by Annemarie Schimmel.
The author divides the book into several parts. The opening section provides a brief history along with the magnificent beauty of Istanbul’s mountains and society. In this part, he also outlines Istanbul’s conditions over the past few centuries. He notes many interesting facts. During his visit to the city, he purchased a map of Istanbul. He also explains the consequences of the Turks’ persistent attacks on Constantinople and recounts the city’s history from a small village named Byzantium, which was surrounded by four walls. After the Roman ruler and famous general Constantine took the throne, Byzantium became Constantinople. He also praises the city’s defensive system and the rebuilding of Thucydides’ wall. Additionally, the natural ripples of the Marmara Sea kept invading forces at bay.
During the era of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, a ceremony of killing brothers was introduced. Subsequently, any Ottoman ruler who ascended the throne cut down the brothers’ hands; this practice continued until Sultan Ahmed (1603). For the killing of heirs to the throne, the Ottoman emperor would obtain permission from religious scholars (Sheikh-e-Islam). Behind the conquest of Constantinople, the Janissary army played a crucial role. The Janissaries consisted of Christians from the Balkan region who were captured at a young age and trained for war. They were not allowed to meet friends or family, marriages were forbidden, and they were trained solely for warfare. The author writes, “The whole universe for the Janissary force was the Ottoman Empire, and for the sake of the empire they were ready to kill or die.” During a stroll in Istanbul’s hills, he visits various shrines and mosques. He also references the book “Strolling Through Istanbul.” In sum, this part of the book offers immense knowledge about Istanbul. After reading it, you know many interesting things about the city.
Thereafter, he travels to the city of lovers, famously known as Konya. He revisits Konya’s past history, the consequences of Rumi’s arrival, and the famous sermons delivered in the mosques. He deeply engages with the city and its people and is influenced by Sufism. He writes, “Sufis have beautiful imaginations about death, but, by contrast, Mullahs describe death terribly; they usually frighten people with sins, while the Sufi concept of death is to meet the actual God.” Turkey has had deep-rooted Islamic religious sentiments for more than a thousand years, first supported by the Seljuks and then by the Ottomans. Furthermore, he visits the shrine of Shams of Tabriz, noting that “If you do not go to the shrine of Tabriz, Maullana Rumi will be annoyed with you.” The story of Maullana Rumi and Tabriz is not hidden from anyone; there are two bodies within one soul. In this section, Javed writes splendidly about the history of Rumi and Konya.
The third part of the book focuses on Ankara, the city of the founder of democracy in Turkey and the revolutionary military figure Atatürk, and the modern-day capital. He offers a brief history of Atatürk and his political vision to transform a sectarian and religious society into a democratic and revolutionary one. He emphasizes that “Young Atatürk was a person who had big dreams; moreover, he was hardworking, intelligent, and magnificent.” He explains Atatürk’s political struggles and the formation of the Grand National Assembly, and how he persuaded people that their struggle was not against the Ottoman ruler, but that he overthrew the Ottoman emperor and became head of state. He also discusses the promotion of Turkish nationalism and the introduction of secular ideas in society; as a result, women gained more freedom in Atatürk’s era and continue to enjoy freedom in modern times.
In short, he explores many other places as well, such as Sogut, Bursa, Chank Fort, and Samsun. This book offers a concise understanding of Turkish culture, language, history, and politics. He writes in a fascinating way; no one can be bored while reading this book. The author demonstrates keen observation and a critical approach.
_______________
The author is freelance writer. He has graduated from Karachi University
