Two Fictional Texts, Autobiography and History: The Case of Afet İnan

Afet İnan has not only served in founding new history concept of Republic period and designating woman identity as an ideologist/missionary, but has been a Republic intellectual/woman via these things which helped her develop as well. İnan interpreted the tasks given during history studies, which she stated to begin with the directive of Atatürk, as a “national duty” to be resulted in success. Afet İnan indicated in her memoirs that the interest in history and culture, fondness for reading and her potency that she had had since her childhood formed the basis for this process. Therefore, Afet İnan achieved to lay the foundations of national history beginning with her individual history foundation through establishing a constant bond between the phases of her life before and after she became acquainted with Atatürk, and she aimed to legitimate her self impression she created as a Republic historian and woman through keeping it from superficiality.