An autobiography in classical Arabic literature: The case of İbn Khaldun

Autobiographies are a fundamental component of study in the field of literature for centuries, and continues to attract the attention of a mass of readers today. In contemporary times, the modern identity of autobiography is due to its evolution through different developmental stages. Literary figures who were interested in this genre in the centuries prior to the modernization process of Arabic literature and the exemplary works they wrote, are considered as the main factors that have strengthened the position of autobiography among other literary genres. However, the absence of any study attempting to express the value of this genre in classical Arabic literature in Turkey is the most important factor that has shaped this master's thesis. This thesis examines the concepts and features of autobiography used in the Arabic language, the position of this genre in classical Arabic literature, the authors who signed works that can be considered as pioneer examples of the Arabic autobiographies, their autobiographical works and Ibn Khaldun's et-Taʻrîf bi Ibn Khaldûn and Rıhletuhû Ğarben and Şarken an analysis of his work through structural and technical elements is included.