On 17 October 2024, Yunus Emre Institute London welcomed an evening steeped in the rich and complex history of the Ottoman Empire, as Ayşe Osmanoğlu, a member of the Ottoman Imperial family, launched her new book, A Farewell to Imperial Istanbul. The event attracted history enthusiasts and literature lovers alike, eager to hear Osmanoğlu's reflections on the Ottoman Empire and her personal connection to its legacy.During the talk, Osmanoğlu shared her deeply personal creative journey, shedding light on the motivations and inspirations that shaped her latest work. Her narrative was more than a historical recount; it was an intimate exploration of memory, family, and the passage of time. The author offered insights into the challenges of writing a book so closely tied to her own heritage while navigating the broader themes of empire, loss, and change. With authenticity and grace, she drew the audience into the final days of Imperial Istanbul, a city on the brink of transformation.
The audience was visibly moved by Osmanoğlu's reflections, as she spoke not only of the Ottoman Empire’s grandeur but of the profound human stories intertwined with its fall. Her anecdotes, both personal and historical, brought a fresh perspective to familiar narratives of the Ottoman legacy, allowing listeners to see the empire through the eyes of someone deeply connected to its lineage.
Following the discussion, attendees had the opportunity to meet Osmanoğlu, share their thoughts, and have their copies of A Farewell to Imperial Istanbul signed by the author. The book, described as "devastatingly beautiful and endlessly evocative" by journalist Imran Mulla, was available for purchase at the event, with many readers eager to take home a piece of this evocative and carefully crafted historical narrative.
This event, part of the Arts and Culture Lecture Series, provided not just a window into Ottoman history but an opportunity to engage with the personal side of that history through Ayşe Osmanoğlu's eyes. The evening ended with lively conversations, as attendees continued to reflect on the themes explored in the talk and the lasting impact of the Ottoman Empire on Istanbul and beyond. For those who missed the event, can watch the recording on Yunus Emre Institute London’s Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/yeelondra
AYŞE GÜLNEV OSMANOĞLU: Ayşe Osmanoğlu, a descendant of the Ottoman Imperial family, was born and raised in England. She holds a degree in History and Politics from the University of Exeter and an M.A. in Turkish Studies from SOAS, University of London, specializing in Ottoman History. Her second book, A Farewell to Imperial Istanbul, follows the success of her debut novel, The Gilded Cage on the Bosphorus, which launched the Ottoman Dynasty Chronicles Series in 2020.
Yunus Emre Institute (Turkish: Yunus Emre Enstitüsü) is the Republic of Türkiye’s cultural institute. Established in 2007, the organisation has over 85 branches worldwide. Through cultural diplomacy, the Institute aims to increase awareness of Turkish culture, support the learning of the Turkish language and to stimulate greater exchange in the fields of arts, culture, science, education. Since opening its doors in London in 2010, Yunus Emre Institute has become an improving the bonds of friendship between Türkiye and the United Kingdom.