The Heart of Dersaadet

In his work "Dersaadet'in Kalbi" (The Heart of Dersaadet), Beşir Ayvazoğlu recounts the deep and colorful history of Beyazıt Square, one of the most important stages of Istanbul's historical and cultural heritage. Known as "Forum Theodosius" during the Ancient Roman period and "Forum Tauri" during the Byzantine period, this square acquired its current identity with the magnificent Sultan Bayezid II Complex, a gift from the Ottoman Empire to Istanbul.

The book transports the reader through different periods of time, revealing the multilayered history and rich cultural fabric of Beyazıt Square in all its details. From the splendor of Ottoman palaces to the early years of the Republic, from madrasahs and religious schools to Darülfünun, which formed the basis of Istanbul University, and from the booksellers' bazaar to the famous Küllük and Çınaraltı coffeehouses, it tells the vibrant story of the square as a center of intellectual life.

Ayvazoğlu, in light of historical information and documents, examines the transformations Beyazıt Square has undergone, while also subtly revealing the cultural and social life that gives soul to the square. By tracing the footsteps of famous writers, scientists, and artists who visited the square, he explores the relationship between the past and the present at this special point in the city. In the story of a square, we actually read about the transformation of a city, and even a civilization.

Dersaadet'in Kalbi does not only tell the history of a place, but also traces the cultural and intellectual heritage that permeates the heart of Istanbul. This comprehensive and captivating work is an unmissable resource for all readers who love Istanbul, history enthusiasts, and those sensitive to cultural heritage.