BİR ROMAN KAHRAMANI OLARAK ÂŞIK VEYSEL
AŞIK VEYSEL AS A NOVEL HERO

Summary/Abstract: In every literary tradition, one or more figures stand out who reflect the social, cultural, and political dynamics of their time. These individuals serve not only as witnesses of their era but also as sources of inspiration for future generations. Âşık Literature, a vital component of Turkish Folk Literature with roots dating back to pre-Islamic Turkish beliefs and poetic traditions, has produced numerous master minstrels over the centuries. One of its most influential and widely recognized representatives in 20th-century Anatolia is undoubtedly Âşık Veysel. More than a powerful folk poet, Âşık Veysel was a cultural transmitter who succeeded in conveying the spirit of his time and geography through his works. His verses reflect a broad thematic spectrum ranging from personal pain to social issues, from love for nature to universal human values. This multi-layered structure has drawn the attention of researchers not only in literature but also in fields such as history, anthropology, and sociology. Accordingly, a significant number of academic studies have been conducted on his life, art, and worldview. However, the first biographical novel that fictionalizes his life “Ko r Oldum Veysel Oldum: A şık Veysel ve Yaşadıg ı Do nemin Romanı” has not been sufficiently addressed in the academic literature. This study focuses on this novel by Erdoğan Alkan to examine how Âşık Veysel is constructed as a fictional character and how his literary, cultural, and social aspects are represented within the narrative. The author's position as both Veysel’s fellow townsman and personal acquaintance lends the novel not only a fictional quality but also testimonial value. From this perspective, the novel gains the unique status of a narrative that reflects not only the biography of an individual but also the cultural panorama of an era. Accordingly, this study investigates how Âşık Veysel, as a folk poet, is transformed into a literary character within a fictional text, through the method of literary analysis.

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