Words and language are the most fundamental leaven of a society. They are the most vital elements that connect and integrate the past, the future, and the present. Words are born and grow within a society, and with the distinct meanings they acquire from all the eras they pass through, they contribute to the formation of consciousness, enabling individuals and society to stand out through thoughtful discourse and shape their character. Those who are not equipped with ancient words cannot speak of building a future or having a sense of awareness.

Idioms are the same. They are unique to us. They evolve alongside us, shaped by the codes of our culture and accumulating stories to carry meanings into the present day.

For example, rain in our culture does not fall “like cats and dogs” as it does in the English language. With us, it pours “as if it were spilling from a pitcher.” It is because of this that our love and desire are “soaked to the bone” (sırılsıklam). Our stance is “from head to foot” (baştan ayağa). With us, “beans are not spilled”; with us, “the fava bean comes out of the mouth” (the truth is revealed). With us, the situation is not “the foot of a goose.” With us, “a cheese boat does not sail with empty words.”

In short, every nation is/should be nourished by its own culture. If a person does not know themselves, they no longer belong/cease to belong to that place.

Therefore, it is necessary for all of us to protect our words, idioms, proverbs, and our language.

In this regard, we have produced this work in both Ottoman Turkish and Latin script so that we may kill several birds with one stone.

It is a duty/obligation for us all to equip ourselves with our own culture before the “horsemen cross Üsküdar” (before it is too late) and to reveal many beauties with the inspiration we draw from our ancient cultural and life roots.

He who has no past has no future!