An Overview of the Life and Works of the Science Historian Prof. Dr. Fuat Sezgin

During the last two centuries, universities and institutes in Europe have undergone serious research into the history of science. However, the number of Western scientists who make positive comments about the place of Islamic civilization in the history of sciences is very small. It is known that contemporary researchers engaged in the history of science in Islamic countries are limited and some of them work in European universities. One of these scientists were Professor Fuat Sezgin, who has passed away in the past years. F. Sezgin has gained a prominent place in the world with his specialized knowledge. He has copyrighted the contribution of Islamic science and technique to European civilization. He has also published the main sources of Islamic science history. However, there are few researches about F. Sezgin in Turkey. Until 2019, there were very few monographs and even scientific researches about F. Sezgin s biography, scientific experience and studies. But the same year was declared as the Year of Professor Fuat Sezgin and it is remarkable that there is some scientific vitality on the subject. Conferences, symposiums and a series of panels about F. Sezgin have been organized in various cities and universities of our country. In addition, articles have been published in academic journals. However, the biography of the late F. Sezgin, who devoted almost all of his ninety-three years of life to the history of science, especially to the history of Islamic science, has not been fully addressed. The environment in which he grew up and his relationship with his teachers, who influenced and shaped his scientific attitude, were not evaluated. The idea of the Creative Age, which opposes the Renaissance perception dictated by Western-oriented historiography, is expressed superficially.This research consists of a general evaluation of F. Sezgin s short biography and his views on the history of science, which makes important studies about Islamic history of science and contributes to the development of this field. For this reason, F. Sezgin s life will be examined firstly and then his views on the history of science have been discussed. Thus, it is aimed to interpret the memories that constitute the turning point of F. Sezgin s life with a scientific method and to provide short and clear information about his life to the researchers in an easily accessible manner. The article was prepared by taking advantage of F. Sezgin s anecdotes, memoirs, and his own works on the subject, which were published at various times. Where necessary, current research has been also applied.