I. Parlatir , Gy. Hazai , B. Kellner-Heinkele (comp.): Catalogue of the Turkish Manuscripts in the Library of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

Preface

Preface Few people in the world have had such close relations with each other and share a common history as do the Hungarians and the Turks. Over time, through migrations, and seizure of common territory, they lived together and as a result strong bonds were formed between these peoples. During the Ottoman period, Hungarian-Turkish relations were developed and deepened through historical events, beginning with conflicts and continuing with cooperation, which cemented a deep lasting bond. Scholars and historians interested in this shared national history soon realised how important the study of this relationship was. This led to a realisation that investigation of historical sources would develop and increase our knowledge and understanding of this common, shared past. The collection of manuscripts, which are catalogued and presented in this volume, is a splendid example of such efforts. Hungarian Turkologists had already started work on the systematic collection and study of Ottoman manuscripts in the 19

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h century. The present catalogue is an organic continuation of these scholarly efforts with the addition of a very important element. This element is the cooperation, mutual effort and teamwork of Turkish, Hungarian and German scholars in the creation of a manual, which will certainly be a useful tool for all Turkologists interested in these studies. While this volume clearly represents the value of effective scholarly cooperation, it also demonstrates close cooperation between academic and governmental institutions in Hungary and Turkey. The Directorate of Cultural Affairs of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs supported this project from the very beginning. This edition itself being a joint publication of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and the Turkish Academy of Sciences clearly demonstrates the mutual efforts made in both countries in the promotion of scholarly research. This is the first concrete product to come from the recently established cooperation between the two Academies. We hope and anticipate, that it will be followed by other cooperative studies in various fields of academic interest, to be carried out by scholars and scientists in our countries. Vice-President of the Turkish Academy of Sciences Tarık Çelik Attila Meskó Secretary General of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences