Güngör Mazlum, the author of significant novels and books about Edirne, the second capital of the Ottoman Empire and the Jews of Edirne

Güngör MAZLUM is a 79-year-old Turkish author whose family came to Edirne after the Turkey-Greece Population Exchange Agreement. With memories of that period in his mind, he has written several books to pass them on to new generations, through his written works.

Born in Edirne in 1944, the author’s family had migrated to Turkey in 1923 as part of the Turkey-Greece exchange agreement. After settlement difficulties initially experienced by his family, Mazlum had quite a happy childhood and youth. During this time he had very close relations to the Jewish community living in Edirne. In his later life, he held important positions such as Edirne Municipality Mayor (1977-1980) as a beloved and respected figure. Subsequently, he continued his activities as the founder and owner of an insurance company until he retirement.

After writing columns in a local newspaper for a long time and weekly articles in a national newspaper, Güngör Mazlum, inspired by the positive reactions from readers, decided to make a novel attempt. His first book is the novel “Suskun Güvercin” (Silent Dove) written in 2000.

Following this, and with the encouragement of readers who greatly appreciated the work, he wrote and published his second novel, called “Kırık Kanatlar” (Broken Wings), narrating a story about Turkey-Greece Population Exchange Agreement.

JEWS OF EDIRNE

Güngör Mazlum had unique memories with and about Jews of Edirne in earlier stages of his life, which he wanted to put together in a book so as to provide an important source for next generations. So, he wrote Edirne Yahudileri (JEWS OF EDIRNE). This is likely the author’s most important work where he narrates the Jewish community that once lived in Edirne. This work has taken its place in the world of literature, as a document that has left a trace in history.

In fact, “JEWS OF EDIRNE” contains valuable insights and can certainly be referred to as unique because it also serves as a first-hand reference book about the Jews in Edirne, at the time. It is possible to obtain the book directly from the author or online.

(Note: Jews of Edirne is currently being translated into English language)

Furthermore, the author wrote and published other novels such as Ihlamurlar Açarken (As Lindens Bloom) and Sittişah Sultan (about the spouse of Mehmet II, conquerer of Istanbul), besides some other books such as “Edirne’de İz Bırakanlar” (Those who left their mark in Edirne) and “Atatürk’s Visit to Thrace and Memories”

Güngör Mazlum still actively contributes to the society, by participating in important associations in the city of Edirne.