What is a Vakanüvis?

Vakanüvis is the term used in the Ottoman State for historians tasked with documenting significant events. The word originates from Arabic and means "one who writes down events." Vakanüvisler, with the sultan’s permission, recorded daily state affairs, wars, major decisions, and transformations, leaving behind documented records for future generations.

The role of vakanüvis became an official profession in the Ottoman State from the 18th century onward. Although individuals had previously recorded events, this activity was not carried out systematically. Over time, state administrators came to believe that every important event needed to be formally documented, leading to the formal appointment of vakanüvisler.

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- Served as the official historian of the state.

- Documented important events such as wars, changes in sultans, and treaties.

- Recorded events within the palace, the condition of the populace, and key state decisions.

- Their writings are used today by historians as primary sources.

Vakanüvisler named their written works "vakayiname" (book of events). Thanks to these books, we have access to extensive information about Ottoman history. Some of the most renowned vakanüvisler include:

- Naîmâ Efendi

- Râşid Efendi

- Vakanüvis Ahmed Cevdet Paşa

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Vakanüvisler ensured that the past was not forgotten by committing it to writing. Thanks to their accounts, we have detailed knowledge of many events during the Ottoman period. Additionally, their writings allow us to understand the intellectual framework, lifestyle, and state structure of their time.

Although there is no official position today equivalent to the vakanüvis, historians continue this tradition by studying and writing about events in a similar manner. Modern historians work with books, documents, archives, and oral sources to interpret the past.

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- Türkiye Diyanet Vakfı İslam Ansiklopedisi. "Vakanüvis." https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/vakanüvis

- Türk Tarih Kurumu. “Osmanlı Tarihçiliği.” https://www.ttk.gov.tr

- T.C. Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı. “Osmanlı’da Vakanüvislik.” https://www.ktb.gov.tr

- Britannica Kids. “Ottoman Historians.” https://kids.britannica.com

- Bilim Genç. “Geçmişi Kim Yazar? Osmanlı’nın Tarihçileri.” https://bilimgenc.tubitak.gov.tr