biyografi

Biografi, or biyografi, is a written account of a person’s life. It covers major dates, events, relationships, work, and the person’s impact on society. The word comes from Greek bios, meaning life, and graphein, meaning to write.

Biographies can be historical or contemporary and may be descriptive, analytical, or critical. They are usually written by researchers or journalists who assemble evidence from primary sources such as letters, diaries, and official records, and from secondary sources such as scholarly analyses. The aim is to present a coherent account that situates the individual within broader social, cultural, or historical contexts.

Common elements include birth and death dates and places, family background, education, career path, turning points, major achievements, and legacy. Biographies can be strictly chronological or organized around themes, and they often weigh context, causal connections, and source reliability. They strive for accuracy, transparency about sources, and careful handling of contested or uncertain claims.

Types range from full-length biographies and micro-biographies to biographical essays and literary biographies. Biographies of living persons require careful verification and sensitivity, while the genre as a whole should balance factual reporting with interpretation.

Biografi is distinct from autobiography, which is written by the subject themselves, and from memoir, which emphasizes personal memory and subjective perspective. Together, life writing encompasses a range of forms, including profiles, obituaries, and historical studies, all aiming to illuminate a person’s life and significance.