Azra Erhat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Azra Erhat
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| Born | 4 June 1915 Şişli, Istanbul, Ottoman Empire
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| Died | 6 September 1982 (aged 67) |
| Nationality | Turkish |
| Occupation | Author, archaeologist, academician, classical philologist, translator |
| Known for | Introducing the new nation of Turkey to the Classics in the native Turkish language; one of 3 Turkish companions who together coined the popular term Blue Cruise (Turkish: Mavi Yolculuk) |
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Notable work
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Turkish translations of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey in collaboration with A. Kadir (tr); Turkish translations of Hesiod's Theogony and Works and Days as well as works of Sophocles, Aristophanes, Plato, and Sappho |
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Azra Erhat (born June 4, 1915 – died September 6, 1982) was a famous Turkish writer, archaeologist, and translator. She was also a university professor who studied old languages and writings.
Azra Erhat helped bring the amazing stories and ideas from Ancient Greece to the people of Turkey. She translated many important books into Turkish. She is also known for helping to create the idea of the Blue Cruise (Turkish: Mavi Yolculuk), a popular boat trip along Turkey's beautiful coast.
Azra Erhat: Her Life and Work
Early Life and Education
Azra Erhat was born in Istanbul, Turkey, on June 4, 1915. This was a difficult time in history for her country. When she was young, her family moved often because of her father's work.
Moving Around Europe
In 1922, her family moved to İzmir, Turkey. Then, in 1924, they moved to Vienna, Austria. Azra went to primary school there for two years. Later, her family moved to Brussels, Belgium.
In Brussels, Azra finished primary school. She then went to Emile Jacqmain High School. She loved literature and learned French, Flemish, Latin, and Ancient Greek. She became very interested in stories and ideas from the past.
University Studies in Turkey
When her father passed away in 1932, Azra stayed in Brussels to finish high school. She did very well in her studies. After graduating, she returned to Istanbul to be with her family.
In 1934, Azra started studying at Istanbul University. A special teacher named Leo Spitzer helped her a lot. He introduced her to Professor George Rodhe at Ankara University.
In 1936, Azra became a student assistant at Ankara University. She helped translate lessons from French, German, Latin, and Greek into Turkish. She graduated in 1939 and continued working at the university.
Working as a Translator and Writer
Azra Erhat also worked at the Translation Office, which was set up by the Minister of Education. Here, she became friends with other important Turkish thinkers. They were all part of a movement called Turkish Humanism. This movement focused on human values and classical knowledge.
Important Translations
From 1945 onwards, Azra translated many famous works. She translated books by Homer, Aristophanes, Sophocles, and Plato. These were very important for Turkish readers.
Changes and New Paths
In 1948, there were some changes at Ankara University. Azra and some of her colleagues left their jobs. She then moved back to Istanbul.
From 1949 to 1955, she worked as a translator, art critic, and news reporter. She also worked for a Turkish newspaper called Vatan.
From 1956 until she retired in 1975, Azra worked at the library of the United Nations' International Labour Organization (ILO). In 1971, she was arrested for political reasons, but she was released quickly. The ILO supported her during this time.
Most Creative Years
The years between 1956 and 1982 were very busy for Azra. She published many books and articles. She worked with a poet named A. Kadir to translate Homer's Iliad. This translation won two important awards in 1959 and 1961.
In 1970, her translation of Homer's Odyssey was published. She also wrote a Dictionary of Mythology in 1972. Sometimes, she wrote under the pen name Ayşe Nur.
Later Life and Legacy
Azra Erhat passed away on September 6, 1982, in Istanbul. She was 67 years old. She had been receiving treatment for cancer in London. She was buried in the Bülbüldere Cemetery in Istanbul.
Remembering Azra Erhat
After her death, Azra Erhat's books were given to Anadolu University. A special collection was created there to honor her. In 1983, a Turkish magazine started giving a literary award in her name. This award celebrates her great work in translating Classical Literature.
Today, Azra Erhat's translations of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey are still very important. They help Turkish readers understand ancient stories. Her translations are clear and easy to understand. They also connect these old stories to the culture of Anatolia, which is a big part of Turkey.
The Story of Turkey’s “Blue Cruise”
Azra Erhat also played a big part in creating the idea of the Blue Cruise. This is a popular way to explore Turkey's beautiful coast by boat.
How the Blue Cruise Began
Azra Erhat, along with two other writers, Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı (known as The Fisherman of Halicarnassus) and Sabahattin Eyüboğlu, started this idea.
Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı was sent to Bodrum in 1925. Bodrum was a quiet fishing village back then, known in ancient times as Halicarnassus. He loved it so much that he decided to live there even after his exile ended.
He told his friends about the amazing beauty of Bodrum's coast. Soon, Azra Erhat and Sabahattin Eyüboğlu joined him. Cevat even changed his name to Halikarnas Balıkçısı, meaning the Fisherman of Halicarnassus.
Adventures on the Sea
These close friends often went on long sailing trips together. They used traditional wooden boats called gulets, which were used by sponge divers.
Azra Erhat loved being surrounded by nature that seemed unchanged since ancient times. She saw these places as the settings for old myths and historical events. She strongly believed that Western civilization actually began in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey).
She would share stories from Classical Literature about places like Halicarnassus, Troy, Pergamum, and Ephesus. Her friends and later her readers were fascinated by her knowledge.
Blue Cruise Becomes Popular
In 1962, Azra Erhat published her travel book, Mavi Yolculuk (Blue Cruise). This book became very popular. She and her friends also wrote articles about their trips in New Horizons Magazine.
Soon, many Turkish people wanted to visit this region. Guidebooks were published, and the Turkish Riviera (also called the Turquoise Coast) became a famous place for tourists from all over the world. It is still well-known for Blue Cruises today.
A Lasting Friendship
Azra Erhat and the Fisherman of Halicarnassus had a very close friendship that lasted their whole lives. They enjoyed many Blue Cruises together. When they were apart, they wrote thousands of letters to each other.
After the Fisherman of Halicarnassus passed away in 1972, Azra Erhat published a collection of his letters. Her book, Letters of the Fisherman of Halicarnassus, came out in 1976.
