The Crusades in Turkish Historical Writing

Abstract

As one of the longest-running struggles in human history, the Crusades have taken on a wide range of meaning. As a matter of fact, it this meaning can be expressed in different ways even today, as it manifests itself in the reactions against the Muslims of Andalusia, against the Levant in the East, and against the progress of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans and Europe. As a result of the studies started in the 18(th) century, intensive activity has occurred with hundreds of works on this subject being found in the world. However, the situation is slightly different in Turkiye. Given the leading role Turks have played in every phase of these series of campaigns. This vein of study was started by Prof. Dr. Isin Demirkent (1962), who carried out the first independent studies; with a her doctoral dissertation and has gradually developed over time. As a result, a very comprehensive range of works has been created in Turkiye today. And continues to expand with independent studies, master's thesses and doctoral dissertations, and translations from different languages. This article, attempt to evaluate the status of activities related to the Crusades in Turkiye, in term of how they started and developed, as well as any deficiencies related to the field. Additionally, the last section of the article provides a bibliography of the works some academicians have written on this subject.