The Unknown History of American Missionaries in Cappadocia 1853-1903

Central Anatolia draws attention as a region where missionary activities were intense in the last period of the Ottoman Empire. It is not possible to understand the late Ottoman history without considering missionary activities as one of the important elements. Most of the existing works in this field, where there are very few sources, are incomplete, incorrect or contain prejudices. Cappadocia, which can be described as the center of the region, is also of particular importance for these studies.

American Wilson Amos Farnsworth (1822-1912) served as a missionary in the cities of Kayseri, Ankara, Yozgat, Nevşehir and Niğde in the Cappadocia region between 1853 and 1903, and in their districts and villages. He traveled extensively throughout Central Anatolia and led 120 people, mostly on horseback. He traveled a thousand kilometers. Thus, it became a living witness and one of the creators of the history of Central Anatolia throughout the second half of the 19th century. Farnsworth, who wrote down his experiences in Turkey year by year and drafted a book, died in 1912 before publishing his notes.

This book draft, apparently unknown even in missionary circles, was found by Mehmet Şahin in the missionary archives of Harvard University Library in 2015, was translated into Turkish and many information, visuals and footnotes were added to the work.

We hope that The Unknown History of American Missionaries in Cappadocia, which contains many answers and clues for readers and researchers interested in the subject, will fill an important gap and help to better imagine the situation of Central Anatolia, especially in the last period of the Ottoman Empire.

(From the Promotional Bulletin)

Editor: Derya Önder

Dough Type: 2nd Dough

Size: 16.5 x 24

First Print Year: 2018

Number of Printings: 1st Edition