Let Us Discover the World: A Historian’s Travel Journal
İlber OrtaylıIn an age dominated by technology and shallow tourism, the true art of travel—getting lost in backstreets, engaging in deep conversations with local artisans, and studying city monographs—is slowly fading. In Let Us Discover the World, master historian and veteran traveler İlber Ortaylı invites readers to reclaim travel as a vital activity for personal growth and cultural wisdom.
"A youth that knows and loves the beautiful nature, rich cultural structure, and the surprises at every step in Turkey is unlikely to ever fully break away from it," Ortaylı observes. "By understanding the stories of others, one opens great doors to understanding their own story." Wearing both his historian's and traveler's hats, Ortaylı traces his steps across Asia, Europe, the Balkans, and the Middle East, blending the "photographs" captured by his mind with his immense historical knowledge.
From ancient bridges and desert sands to bustling city squares and vibrant bazaars, this journey ultimately returns to Turkey. Ortaylı presents a unique itinerary of his homeland, highlighting places to visit in every season and weaving geography and history into a seamless narrative. More than just a travelogue, this book serves as a guide on how a curious mind should interpret the world, making it an essential bedside companion for anyone passionate about discovery.
