Tunisian Thinker Abdelaziz Kacem Reflects on Muazzez İlmiye Çığ's Legacy

Muazzez İlmiye Çığ, a globally recognized Turkish archaeologist and Assyriologist, passed away in 2024 at the age of 110. Her life's work was dedicated to the study, translation, and conservation of thousands of cuneiform tablets from Mesopotamian and Anatolian civilizations. Çığ's contributions extended beyond her work at the Istanbul Museum of Antiquities, as she authored numerous popular books for children and the general public, making ancient history accessible to a broad audience.

Çığ was a vocal advocate for secularism and women's rights. Her 2005 book, "Vatandaşlık Tepkilerim" ("My Reactions as a Citizen"), sparked controversy and led to a high-profile trial. In the book, she explored the history of the veil, arguing that it predated Islam and had roots in ancient Mesopotamian societies. This historical perspective drew criticism from some Islamist circles, who saw her work as a challenge to their interpretations.

The trial against Çığ took place on October 31, 2006, when she was 92 years old. She faced up to 18 months in prison for "inciting religious hatred." Supported by a team of 15 lawyers committed to secularism, Çığ defended her work, stating, "I am a woman of science... I have never insulted anyone." The court ultimately acquitted her. This case highlights the challenges faced by scholars who challenge dominant narratives and interpretations.

Çığ's legacy serves as a reminder that no belief or narrative should be exempt from historical examination. Her work emphasized the importance of understanding the complexities of human practices and their evolution over time. The debate surrounding her book underscores the tension between historical inquiry and ideological agendas.

The struggle for secularism and critical thinking is not unique to Turkey or the Middle East. The rise of religious fundamentalism and nationalist ideologies has led to increased polarization and intolerance worldwide. In India, for example, the Hindu nationalist movement has gained momentum, threatening the country's secular fabric.

Scholars and thinkers like Muazzez İlmiye Çığ, Abdelwahab Meddeb, and Muhammad Iqbal have emphasized the need for a nuanced understanding of history, culture, and faith. Their work encourages critical thinking, tolerance, and intellectual freedom. As the world grapples with growing intolerance and extremism, their legacies serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of defending reason, science, and human rights.

Tunisian thinker Abdelaziz Kacem reflects on the significance of Çığ's work and its relevance to contemporary debates. He notes that the struggle for secularism and critical thinking is ongoing, and that thinkers like Çığ have paved the way for future generations to engage in open and informed discussions about history, culture, and faith.

Key points

• Muazzez İlmiye Çığ's work challenged dominant narratives and interpretations, highlighting the importance of historical examination and critical thinking.