John Freely

Aboard the U.S.S. John Freely, no, not a ship, but imagine a vibrant university buzzing with intellectual energy. This is the legacy of John Freely at Boğaziçi University in Istanbul. John Freely wasn’t just a name on a building. He was a force of nature, a physicist, a teacher, and a storyteller who brought Istanbul’s history to life. Born in Brooklyn in 1926, his journey took him from wartime service in Burma and China to the hallowed halls of Oxford and eventually, to Istanbul in 1960. He became a beloved professor at Robert College, later Boğaziçi University, teaching physics and the history of science. But his true passion lay in unraveling the city’s intricate past. Freely authored over 40 books, from travel guides that made “strolling through Istanbul” a literary adventure to deep dives into Ottoman history. He explored the lives of figures like Cem Sultan, a prince in exile, and Sabbatai Zevi, the controversial Jewish Messiah. He co-authored “Strolling Through Istanbul” with Hilary Sumner-Boyd, a guidebook considered a classic for its blend of academic rigor and engaging prose. His works brought the city’s vibrant tapestry to life, weaving together Byzantine emperors, Ottoman sultans, and the everyday lives of its citizens. John Freely’s legacy lives on, not just in his books, but in the countless students he inspired and the enduring love he held for Istanbul. He rests now in the Feriköy Protestant Cemetery, a final testament to his connection with this magnificent city. His story reminds us that history isn’t just about dates and names, but about the people who shaped a place, and the stories they left behind.