The literature of the Turks is among the oldest of living literatures. In nearly twelve centuries, it has been alive in many continents and regions, expressing itself in a diversity of languages and scripts and remaining receptive to external influences as it maintains its intrinsic impetus for renewal. From Central Asia to Anatolia and beyond, it has served as a faithful mirror of Turkish societies and cultures, often functioning as a vehicle for pioneering ideas and ideals. As such, Turkish literature is both a repository of time-honored values and a powerful catalyst for change. Journal of Turkish Literature (JTL) will reflect these aspects while encompassing the literary output of the Turks in Asia, the Middle East, the Balkans and elsewhere. Its emphasis is on Seljuk, Ottoman, and modern Turkish literature as well as on its Central Asian roots.