Acknowledgements
This monograph represents a revised version of my doctoral dissertation, which I defended at the University of Groningen on 16 June 2022. The dissertation was supervised by Mladen Popović and Eibert Tigchelaar. The research conducted for this project was generously funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) as part of the research programme Cooperation Flanders. I also thank the NWO for the financial support that allowed this book to be published in Open Access.
This project would not have been completed without the guidance, patience, criticism, and friendship of many mentors, colleagues, and friends. My deepest gratitude goes out to Mladen and Eibert. It has been a long and winding road that started with three days in Groningen during the spring of 2016, and I will forever be proud to have Mladen and Eibert as my guides. Both my dissertation and this book would not have existed without their feedback, encouragement, and unfailing support throughout my PhD and beyond. The inaccuracies and misrepresentations that remain are my responsibility alone.
I have had the great pleasure of meeting many inspiring teachers within the field. The list of colleagues who offered their support and guidance throughout my journey is too long to include here, but I am very grateful to all. I am especially indebted to Hindy Najman for the incredible generosity of inviting me to Oxford not once but twice, and for her support and advice. I also want to thank George Brooke for his encouragement and the stimulating conversations during his stay in Groningen in 2018. A special thank you goes to Arjen Bakker, for all his help throughout the years. The dissertation committee consisted of Jutta Jokiranta, Charlotte Hempel, and Jacques van Ruiten. I am deeply indebted for their valuable remarks and constructive criticisms.
In Groningen, I had the great fortune of being surrounded by companions whose collegiality and friendship created a stimulating environment in which to work. I am especially grateful to Drew, Eelco, Gemma, Hans, Lambert, Lautaro, Maruf, and Ruwan. I also want to thank Luisa, Mau, Saara, Vivi, Welmoed, and all the others that made Groningen such a pleasant place to be.
I extend my gratitude to George and Jutta for accepting this book, and the anonymous reviewer for the invaluable comments. I am grateful to Brill, and Katerina Sofianou in particular, for their editorial support.
I feel blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful friends and family. I am especially thankful to my parents, who encouraged me to explore and study whatever captured my fascination. Finally, my greatest debt of love and gratitude is to Mirthe. She has accompanied me through all the trials and triumphs of this journey, and to her I dedicate this book.
Ayhan Aksu
Amsterdam, September 2024