Right to the City Novels in Turkish Literature from the 1960s to the Present

Right to the City Novels in Turkish Literature from the 1960s to the Present examines the representation of rural migration to Istanbul, placing Henri Lefebvre's concept of the right to the city at the center of the argument. The book analyzes Orhan Kemal's Gurbet Kuşları, Muzaffer İzgüs Halo Dayı ve İki Öküz, Latife Tekins Berci Kristin Çöp Masalları, Metin Kaçans Ağır Roman, Ayhan Geçgins Kenarda, Hatice Meryems İnsan Kısım Kısım, and Orhan Pamuks Kafamda Bir Tuhaflık in the historical context of rural migration, urbanization, and anti-migrant nostalgia.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 244 pages
Publication date: 18 July 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Right to the City Novels in Turkish Literature from the 1960s to the Present is a comprehensive analysis of the representation of rural migration to Istanbul in literature, with a focus on Henri Lefebvre's concept of the right to the city. The book employs a framework of critical urban theory to examine a selection of notable novels from the 1960s to the present, including Orhan Kemal's Gurbet Kuşları (The Homesick Birds) (1962), Muzaffer İzgüs' Halo Dayı ve İki Öküz (Uncle Halo and Two Oxen) (1973), Latife Tekins' Berci Kristin Çöp Masalları (Berji Kristin: Tales From the Garbage Hills) (1984), Metin Kaçan's Ağır Roman (Heavy Roman(i)) (1990), Ayhan Geçgins' Kenarda (On the Periphery) (2003), Hatice Meryems' İnsan Kısım Kısım, Yer Damar Damar (It Takes All Kinds) (2008), and Orhan Pamuk's Kafamda Bir Tuhaflık (A Strangeness in My Mind) (2014). By situating these works within the historical context of rural migration to Istanbul, urbanization of migrants, and anti-migrant nostalgia, the book seeks to offer a conceptual framework that can be applied to internal and international migration in other globalizing cities and to cultural products beyond literature, such as film.

The novels examined in Right to the City Novels in Turkish Literature from the 1960s to the Present offer a rich and nuanced portrayal of the experiences of rural migrants who flock to Istanbul in search of a better life. These works explore the complexities of urbanization, cultural assimilation, and the struggles of individuals to find their place in a rapidly changing society.

One of the key themes in these novels is the process of rural-to-urban migration, which is often depicted as a transformative experience that challenges the traditional values and customs of the migrants. The characters in these novels often face discrimination, marginalization, and economic hardship as they navigate the unfamiliar urban landscape. However, they also find opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and social mobility.

Another important theme is the cultural assimilation of rural migrants into Istanbul's urban fabric. The characters in these novels struggle to adapt to the city's fast-paced, cosmopolitan lifestyle, while also retaining their cultural heritage and traditions. This process is often fraught with tension and conflict, as the migrants try to balance their own identity with the demands of the urban environment.

The novels also explore the complex relationship between rural migrants and the urban elite. While some characters are able to integrate into the upper classes and achieve social success, others are marginalized and excluded from the benefits of urbanization. This creates a sense of resentment and frustration among the migrants, who feel that they are being left behind by the city's progress.

Right to the City Novels in Turkish Literature from the 1960s to the Present also sheds light on the issue of anti-migrant nostalgia. The characters in these novels often reflect on the memories of their rural upbringing and the sense of loss that they feel when they leave it behind. This nostalgia is often mixed with a sense of pride in their accomplishments in the city, as they strive to build a better life for themselves and their families.

Overall, these novels provide a valuable insight into the experiences of rural migrants in Istanbul and the challenges they face as they navigate the complexities of urbanization. They offer a rich and nuanced portrayal of the city's cultural landscape and the social dynamics that shape the lives of its residents. By examining these works within the framework of critical urban theory, Right to the City Novels in Turkish Literature from the 1960s to the Present provides a conceptual framework that can be applied to other globalizing cities and to cultural products beyond literature, such as film.

Weight: 349g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030612238
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021