Yunus Emre InstituteYunus Emre Enstitüsü – London successfully hosted two significant events around the book “Babam Cemil Meriç” by Ümit Meriç. The first event was in English on May 7, and the second was in Turkish on May 9, both celebrating the life and works of Turkish thinker Cemil Meriç.
The first event, held on May 7, 2024, was the book launch and signing of “My Father Cemil Meriç: A Turkish Intellectual of the 20th Century” by the renowned author Ümit Meriç. The evening was a profound exploration into the life and works of Cemil Meriç, whose philosophical and literary contributions have shaped the contours of Turkish intellectualism.
The first event commenced with a talk by Ümit Meriç, who vividly brought to life her father’s enduring legacy through her book. She delved into the intricacies of her father’s life, his intellectual journey, and the profound impact he had on Turkish literature and philosophy. Ümit Meriç shared personal anecdotes, shedding light on the man behind the intellectual giant, and painted a picture of Cemil Meriç that was both intimate and inspiring. She also discussed her father’s unique perspectives and how they challenged and enriched the intellectual landscape of Türkiye.
John Shakespeare Dyson, the translator of the book, also took the stage at the event. He shared his experiences of translating such a significant work, discussing the challenges he faced in capturing the nuances of Cemil Meriç’s thoughts and the rewards of successfully conveying them to an English-speaking audience. Dyson spoke about the meticulous process of translation, the responsibility of staying true to the original text, and the joy of making Cemil Meriç’s work accessible to a wider audience. His talk highlighted the importance of translation in bridging cultural gaps and fostering global understanding. Through his translation, Dyson has indeed opened a window for English-speaking audiences to understand and appreciate Cemil Meriç’s contributions to literature and philosophy.
The second event, “İmza Günü & Söyleşi: Babam Cemil Meriç,” took place on May 9, 2024. This discussion and signing event, conducted in Turkish and tailored for the Turkish audience, focused on the book “Babam Cemil Meriç.” It provided participants with an opportunity to explore Cemil Meriç’s thoughts and the bridges he built between hearts and epochs through the closest lens to him.
Ümit Meriç, the author and daughter of Cemil Meriç, gave a talk in Turkish, sharing personal anecdotes and insights into her father’s life and work. She discussed the process of writing the book and the importance of preserving her father’s legacy for the Turkish-speaking audience. Ahmet Kot, a renowned figure in Turkish sociology, also spoke at the event. He provided a broader perspective on Cemil Meriç’s influence on Turkish culture and politics and highlighted the relevance of his works in today’s context. His talk, delivered in Turkish, resonated with the audience, further emphasising the event’s focus on engaging the Turkish community.
Both events were well-attended and received positive feedback from attendees, reflecting the enduring influence of Cemil Meriç’s thoughts across generations. Ümit Meriç, the daughter of Cemil Meriç, brought to life her father’s enduring legacy through her book. The event offered attendees an exclusive opportunity not only to purchase the book but also to connect with the author during the book signing session.
For more information about upcoming events and initiatives, please visit yeelondon.org.uk