Prof. İnalcık Recognized by King Faisal Foundation Prize

Professor Halil İnalcık, renowned historian and founder of Bilkent University's Department of History, has been chosen by the selection committee of the King Faisal International Prize as a co-winner of the King Faisal International Prize in Islamic Studies in 2011.

Prof. İnalcık is awarded the prize particularly for his seminal book: An Economic and Social History of the Ottoman Empire: 1300-1600, Part I. İnalcık's award-winning book represents five decades of research and is credited as establishing a new approach to Ottoman history.

The King Faisal International Foundation recognizes scholars whose work serves with distinction Islamic studies.

A professor of Ottoman history at Bilkent University since 1993, Prof. Halil İnalcık received his Ph.D. from Ankara University. He taught at Ankara University (1952-1972) and the University of Chicago (1972-1986). He has also held appointments at Columbia University, Princeton University, Harvard University, and the University of Pennsylvania. He is an expert in classical Ottoman economic, social, and institutional history and has published over 300 scholarly articles and numerous books.

He has numerous awards such as a plaque presented by former president Süleyman Demirel in recognition of his contribution to Turkish culture and a Superior Service Medal by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was also awarded the National Sovereignty Honor Prize in 2008 by the Presidential Board of the Turkish Grand National Assembly.