Turkish Literature as World Literature

The study of Turkish literature in the globalized literary world explores its place in the late Ottoman era to contemporary literature, multilingual cosmopolitanism, and cross-generational intertextual encounters. It highlights the works of Nâzim Hikmet, Orhan Pamuk, and Elif Safak, providing a composite historical, political, and cultural portrait of Turkey's relations with the broader world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

The multifaceted debate surrounding the position of Turkish literature in the globalized literary landscape is illuminated by a collection of essays that encompass a wide range of genres and span from the late Ottoman era to contemporary literature. These essays delve into the rich tapestry of the Ottoman literary scene, exploring its multilingual cosmopolitanism and the intergenerational encounters that shaped it. Renowned poet Nâzim Hikmet is examined from various perspectives, while contemporary and popular writers such as Orhan Pamuk and Elif Safak are placed within the context of their respective eras. Turkish Literature as World Literature not only contributes significantly to the field of world literary studies but also paints a comprehensive historical, political, and cultural portrait of Turkey in its interactions with the broader world.

The late Ottoman era witnessed a vibrant literary scene characterized by multilingualism and cosmopolitanism. The empire was home to diverse ethnic groups, languages, and cultures, which translated into a rich literary tradition. Writers from different backgrounds and languages coexisted and interacted, creating a dynamic literary landscape. The Ottoman literary scene was characterized by a fusion of Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and other languages, resulting in a rich and complex literary language.

One of the most prominent figures in Ottoman literature was Nâzim Hikmet, a poet who emerged in the early 20th century. Hikmet's poetry was known for its powerful and emotional language, which often addressed social and political issues. His works explored themes of love, freedom, and resistance against oppression, and his poetry resonated with readers across the empire.

In addition to Hikmet, the late Ottoman era saw the rise of other notable writers, such as Ahmet Hamdi Tanpınar, who wrote in Turkish and Arabic, and Mualla Sürer, who wrote in Persian and Turkish. These writers contributed to the diversity and richness of the Ottoman literary scene, and their works continue to be studied and celebrated today.

The multilingual cosmopolitanism of the Ottoman literary scene was not limited to the empire's borders. The Ottoman Empire was a hub of cultural exchange and interaction, and its literature was influenced by the cultures and languages of its neighboring regions. For example, the works of Persian poets such as Rumi and Hafez were widely read and translated into Turkish, and Turkish literature was also influenced by Arabic and Persian literature.

Cross-generational intertextual encounters were also a hallmark of the Ottoman literary scene. Writers from different generations interacted and influenced each other's work, creating a rich and complex literary tradition. For example, the works of Nâzim Hikmet were influenced by the traditional Turkish poetry of the Sufi poets, while contemporary writers such as Orhan Pamuk and Elif Safak drew inspiration from the works of Hikmet and other Ottoman writers.

The legacy of Ottoman literature extends beyond the empire's borders. The works of Ottoman writers have been translated into numerous languages and have been read and celebrated worldwide. Turkish literature has also been influenced by the broader literary world, and contemporary Turkish writers continue to explore themes of identity writers, identity, and the complexities of the modern world.

In conclusion, the debate surrounding the position of Turkish literature in the globalized literary world is a complex and multifaceted one. Turkish literature's multilingual cosmopolitanism, cross-generational intertextual encounters, and rich historical, political, and cultural portrait make it a valuable addition to the field of world literary studies. The legacy of Ottoman literature continues to inspire and influence contemporary writers, and Turkish literature as World Literature fills a significant lacuna in world literary studies.

Weight: 396g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501371639