March 25

Born in 1611 in Constantinople, Evliya Çelebi was the son of a palace goldsmith and served in the Ottoman military before embarking on extensive travels. Over four decades, he journeyed through Anatolia, the Balkans, the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe. His detailed Seyahatname combined observations on geography, architecture, languages, customs, and legends. Evliya’s lively narratives provide one of the richest firsthand accounts of the 17th-century Ottoman world. He returned to Constantinople to compile his writings before his death around 1682. His work remains a cornerstone for historians studying the early modern Middle East.

Jim Lovell is a retired U.S. Navy officer and NASA astronaut born in 1928. He flew four space missions, including Gemini 7, Gemini 12, Apollo 8, and the ill-fated Apollo 13. As commander of Apollo 13, he led his crew through a critical in-flight emergency, safely returning to Earth after an oxygen tank explosion. Lovell's calm leadership and problem-solving skills under pressure made Apollo 13 a celebrated example of teamwork and ingenuity. Before his astronaut career, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served as a naval aviator and test pilot. After retiring from NASA and the Navy, he co-authored the book "Lost Moon," which inspired the film "Apollo 13." Lovell has received numerous honors, including the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. He remains an influential figure in the history of human space exploration.

Carlo Mauri (1930–1982) was an Italian adventurer who achieved prominence as both a mountaineer and an explorer. He participated in several Himalayan expeditions, including climbs of Gasherbrum II and Broad Peak, demonstrating exceptional technical skill. Later, Mauri organized and led scientific exploration missions in polar regions and the Amazon rainforest. He documented his journeys through photography and film, sharing his discoveries with international audiences. Mauri's work bridged the gap between adventure and science, earning him respect in both communities. His legacy continues to inspire modern explorers who seek to combine physical challenge with cultural and environmental research.