Polish Travellers’ Account of Turkey in 20’s of the 20'th Century

Abstract

The article includes excerpts of briefly discussion on two memoirs from journeys through Turkey which took place in the 1920s. Their authors were: Wanda Melcer-Rutkowska, vel Sztekkerowa, and Tadeusz Vetulani. They visited Istanbul, Ankara and other places between 1925 and 1929. Their opinions about the country (administration, economy, education, culture etc.) and Turkish people (e.g. hospitality, hygiene) were characterized in published memoirs. The subjects of comparison were opinions on a few areas of everyday life in Turkey such as: political and administrative relations, economy, education, towns and villages, morals and attire, hygiene, attitude of Turkish citizens towards the Poles and the history. It appeared that Melcer-Rutkowska's opinions were based on Western European standards, which resulted in her critical views. On the other side, Vetulani characterised himself as a sincere devotee of beautiful Turkey and as a friend of its nation.