John Freely.

John Freely (1926–2017) was a physicist, professor, and prolific author specializing in the history and culture of Turkey, Istanbul, and the Ottoman Empire. After studying physics in New York and Oxford, he decided in 1960 to settle in Istanbul with his family to teach at Robert College, now Boğaziçi University, where he continued to teach physics, the history of science, and astronomy until the end of his life.

The author of some forty books, John Freely made his mark on the literary world with his travel guides, historical studies, and biographies of Ottoman figures, combining academic rigor with narrative accessibility. His books, including Strolling Through Istanbul, have become essential references for lovers of the history and culture of the city and the Mediterranean region.

In addition to his role as a teacher and writer, he was committed to preserving Istanbul’s historical and cultural heritage, participating in the protection of historical sites and the conservation of the university library’s collections. He lived in Istanbul for over fifty years, until the death of his wife Dolores in 2015, before joining his daughter Maureen in England, where he passed away in 2017.

He is the author of Sinan – Architect of Suleiman the Magnificent, published by Éditions du Pacifique.