Today in History – 21 September

The first fascicle of İnönü Encyclopedia is published

Published in fascicles for the first time in 1943 by the Ministry of Education to provide a reliable source for students and researchers alike, the İnönü Encyclopedia was completed in 1985, perhaps as the longest written encyclopedia in the world. It is comprised of 33 volumes, the first volume of which was completed in three years alone. As it was finalized over the course of 42 years, it also came to be known as the “Exhausted Encyclopedia.”

The first four volumes of it were published as “İnönü Encyclopedia;” however, due to the conflicts between DP and CHP, it was renamed “Turkish Encyclopedia” as of the 5th volume.

The following lines in İsmet İnönü’s handwriting are printed in the preface of the Encyclopedia:

I expect every Turkish intellectual to make great efforts to increase the value of this work. The Encyclopedia will serve as a new sign and symbol of Turkish culture and will have a profound effect on our intellectual life. Similar to those serving greatly their country, those who succeed in doing so will earn our deepest respect.

Although some entries are outdated today, the Encyclopedia is still a very reliable and qualified source of information as it has been put together by a committee of esteemed scholars and scientists.