Prof. Dr. Ahmet Önkal's life, works and islamic historiography

ABSTRACT After the passing of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), thousands of books narrating his life and the history of Muslims have been authored in every era. Among the Islamic historians of the Republican period, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Önkal holds a prominent position, dedicating much of his life to recounting the biography of the Prophet (pbh) and Islamic history. Over his educational career spanning more than sixty years, he consistently conveyed the message, path, and teachings of the Prophet (pbh), striving to ensure they were accurately understood. This study, divided into two parts, aims to reveal Ahmet Önkal's personal and academic identity, his contributions to historical scholarship, and his unique approaches to Islamic history. The first part of the thesis explores Ahmet Önkal's life, family, education, professional roles, character, later years, and passing. Additionally, his academic works are examined to assess his scholarly contributions and intellectual legacy. This section emphasizes his disciplined work ethic, human-centered approach, and academic productivity. The second part of the thesis focuses on Ahmet Önkal's understanding of history and his methodology. His critical perspective on Islamic historiography, views on Islamic history studies in Turkey, and reflections on the major challenges in the field are analyzed. Furthermore, the attributes that a historian should possess and the key considerations in historical studies are discussed in depth. Ahmet Önkal's historical methodology is presented under six main themes. These include his analytical approach using cross-referencing, refusal to blindly adhere to established historical narratives, reliance on rational evidence, avoidance of anachronism, practice of questioning events, and guidance for young historians. These methods highlight both the scholarly depth and innovative aspects of his historical perspective. The thesis also examines Ahmet Önkal's style and the recurring themes in his works. Prominent subjects include the process of inviting people to Islam and conveying its message, the importance of forming a competent and qualified cadre, the exemplary life of Prophet Muhammad (pbh), and constructing a religion rooted in the Qur'an and Sunnah. These themes not only offer a historical perspective but also serve as guiding principles for contemporary Muslim societies. Finally, the impact of Ahmet Önkal on Islamic historiography in Turkey and his contributions to the field of Islamic history are evaluated.