Bashkir Student Finds Zaki Validi's Office in Istanbul University

A student from Bashkiria, Rozalia Mukhametyanova, visited the place in Turkey where Ahmed-Zaki Validi worked. The girl from Ishimbay District runs a blog about life in that country and is studying for a master«s degree at Istanbul University — where the Bashkir scholar taught for many years.

Zaki Validi«s office is located in the Faculty of Philology building. Its decor has changed somewhat since the time of the famous native of Bashkortostan, but many items remain — for example, the luxurious green armchairs, which are still periodically restored.

The office still holds part of Zaki Validi«s personal library. There, for example, one can find dozens of volumes of the Soviet encyclopedia. There are also other publications in Russian. A memorial plaque at the entrance to the office indicates that Zaki Validi worked here.

Zaki Validi first came to Istanbul University in 1927. He worked there for about five years until he left for Vienna to continue his studies. The Turkic scholar resumed teaching in Istanbul in 1939. In 1944, this activity had to be suspended again — charges were brought against Validi, but three years later he was rehabilitated and allowed to continue his work. From then until his death in 1970, he continued teaching at Istanbul University.

“It was a very moving moment — to touch a piece of Bashkortostan’s history… The name of Ahmed-Zaki Validi is still honored and remembered at Istanbul University. In the first weeks of study, teachers, upon learning that I am Bashkir, often mentioned him,” Rozalia said.

By the way, on the university campus there is also a monument to Zaki Validi. However, you cannot get close to it — the memorial is fenced off and police are on duty nearby.

We told more about the amazing life path of this man, whose personality still sparks heated debate, in our material.