Journal of Art History

Abstract

Rıfkı Melül Meriç is recognized as a poet in literary circles; however, he is particularly distinguished for his remarkable contributions to Turkish art history. This article aims to examine Rıfkı Melül Meriç’s methodological approach and his noteworthy contributions to Turkish art history. Accordingly, his works related to art history have been thoroughly analyzed. This study focuses on Meriç’s methodology in art history, emphasizing his meticulous attention to archival documents, his critical approach to historical artifacts, and his insights into the concept of Turkish art. His precision in handling archival documents, his holistic and critical perspective on historical works, and his progressive views on Turkish art have served as guiding principles not only for the academic environment of his time but also for contemporary art historical scholarship. In this context, examining Meriç’s methods holds significant value for developing new research and evaluation models in the field of art history. Moreover, drawing upon the experiences and methodologies of an art historian such as Meriç is crucial both methodologically and practically. The methodology of this study is based on a qualitative research approach. Meriç’s works, writings, and sources utilized within the field of art history have been examined and analyzed. When we examine Meriç’s approach to evaluating works of art, we understand that he places special emphasis on tangible data such as foundation charters (vakfiyes), archival documents, classical sources, and on-site observations. In addition, his critiques of Western-centric perspectives and his efforts to reveal the shortcomings of these approaches have been analyzed through a method of critical reading. As is evident from his works, Meriç approached art history not merely as a field of aesthetic inquiry, but as an interdisciplinary domain that necessitates an understanding of the social, cultural, and religious contexts that shaped the creation of artworks. His primary aim was to challenge reductionist perspectives and to scientifically demonstrate that Turkish art possesses a distinctive identity and aesthetic value. While emphasizing the unique characteristics of Turkish art in his studies, Meriç introduced a multidisciplinary and critical perspective to the field, thereby offering an analytical model for art historical research. In this regard, he adopted a detailed and rigorous methodology grounded in archival research. He utilized primary sources such as foundation charters and archival records in conjunction with contemporary publications and classical texts. Additionally, he conducted direct observations of artworks and compared them with historical records to construct a comprehensive analytical framework. His approach revealed not only the aesthetic dimensions of artworks but also their socio-economic, cultural, and religious contexts. Thanks to his contributions and the methodology he developed, Rıfkı Melül Meriç is considered one of the foundational figures in the field of Turkish art history. His methodological framework continues to serve as a guiding resource for contemporary and future art historians. Meriç’s legacy lies not only in his critical perspective but also in the comprehensive foundation he established for understanding and preserving the rich cultural and historical heritage of Turkish art. Meriç’s legacy lies not only in his critical perspective but also in the comprehensive foundation he established for understanding and preserving the rich cultural and historical heritage of Turkish art.