Turkey Book Talk Selim Deringil on the Ottoman twilight in the Arab lands
Jun 3, 2019
Selim Deringil, professor of history at the Lebanese American University and translator-editor of Ottoman wartime memoirs. He discusses why translating Eastern theatre memoirs matters, reframes the Middle Eastern fronts alongside the Western Front, and recounts vivid local memories from Beirut and Medina. He also explores wartime politics, the Arab Revolt's legacy, and shifting Turkish attitudes toward World War I.
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Value Midlevel Perspectives
- Deringil chose lesser-known figures to illuminate everyday Ottoman administration and logistics in Syria and Arabia.
- These mid-level actors reveal practical governance and military work behind famous leaders like Cemal Pasha.
Memoirs Mirror Kemalist Mindset
- Falih Rifka's memoirs reflect early Republican, Kemalist interpretations and 'good riddance' views of Arab provinces.
- His lucid Turkish and 1930s perspective shaped later schoolreading and national narratives.
A Rare Critical Voice
- Hussein Qazim Qadri stands out for being self-critical and fluent in Arabic, and he rejected the Kemalist trajectory.
- His dissenting voice shows internal Ottoman debates and postwar disillusionment.
