Azerbaijani authors in the dictionary of Shamseddin Sami “Kamusul-Elam”

Abstract

One of the major works of Shemseddin Sami (1857-1904), who became most famous as
a linguist-lexicographer in the cultural and literary life of Turkey, is the six-volume dictionary
“Kamusul-Elam” (1889-1898). The dictionary covering history, geography and private names has
earned much attention as the first encyclopedia in Turkey. It is worth noting that this six-volume
dictionary, written at the end of the XIX century in Turkey in the face of a shortage of bibliographic
publications, was of great importance. The main feature of the work is that it gives a sufficient place
to medieval Azerbaijani scientists and authors. After studying the information about these scientists,
we come to the conclusion that Shemseddin Sami expressed in his dictionary original thoughts
about their life and work. In the dictionary, some information about the authors is given
superficially or only the names of scientists are indicated.
This is because the sources available at the time of Shemseddin Sami were simple. Although this
information is not sufficient, it is important to say that it is of great importance as a primary source.
The scientists we have collected in the dictionary come from various regions of Azerbaijan. Having
expanded the information about these scientists, the article was provided to the readers.