Born: 1914 (Bursa, Turkey)
Biography:
Muazzez İlmiye Çığ (born 20 June 1914) is a Turkish archaeologist and Assyriologist who specializes in the study of Sumerian civilization. Born in Bursa, Turkey, Çığ has dedicated her life to unraveling the mysteries of ancient Mesopotamia and shedding light on the fascinating world of Sumer. Her groundbreaking research and unyielding passion for her field have made her one of the most influential female historians of our time.
Çığ’s interest in archaeology and ancient civilizations began at a young age. Growing up in the aftermath of World War I, she witnessed the impact of war on her country, which sparked her curiosity about the past. Her parents, both Crimean Tatars who had immigrated to Turkey, instilled in her a deep appreciation for her heritage and a thirst for knowledge. After completing her primary studies in Çorum and graduating from a training facility for elementary school teachers in Bursa, Çığ embarked on her academic journey.
In 1936, Çığ enrolled at Ankara University’s Department of Hittitology, where she had the privilege of learning from renowned scholars Hans Gustav Güterbock and Benno Landsberger, who were German-Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazi regime. These scholars imparted their vast knowledge of Hittite culture and history to Çığ, igniting her passion for archaeology and ancient languages.
Completing her degree in 1940, Çığ joined the Museum of the Ancient Orient, one of the Istanbul Archaeology Museums, as a resident specialist in cuneiform tablets. At the time, thousands of these tablets remained untranslated and unclassified, presenting an opportunity for Çığ to make significant contributions to the field. Through her tireless efforts in deciphering and publishing these tablets, the Museum transformed into a hub for Middle Eastern languages education, attracting researchers from all corners of the world.
Çığ’s marriage to M. Kemal Çığ, the director of the Topkapı Museum, further immersed her in the world of archaeology and antiquities. Together, they formed a formidable team, working diligently to preserve and expand Turkey’s cultural heritage. Outside the academic realm, Çığ’s advocacy for secularism and women’s rights in Turkey has cemented her as a prominent figure in the country’s social and political landscape.
Throughout her career, Çığ has published numerous books, scholarly papers, and articles in both academic journals and popular magazines. Her meticulous research, combined with her ability to engage readers with her writing, has helped bring the ancient world to life for countless individuals. Her work has been instrumental in reshaping our understanding of Sumerian civilization and its impact on subsequent cultures.
Çığ’s contributions to the field of archaeology have not gone unrecognized. She is an honorary member of the German Archaeology Institute and the Istanbul University Institute of Prehistoric Sciences, further solidifying her status as a leading authority in her field. Her dedication to her work and her unwavering pursuit of knowledge have not only enriched our understanding of the past but have also inspired countless aspiring archaeologists and historians.
Awards:
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