Dede korkut kitabi{dotless} and magic realism [Dede korkut ki̇tabi{dotless} ve büyülü gerçekçi̇li̇k]

Abstract

Magic(al) realism is generally associated with the sense of post-modern art, and it is mostly assumed that this turn of phrase was shaped in 20th century, as a result of the new approaches in Latin literature. However, the analysis and assessments about magic realism show that magic realism should not be studied as a very new aesthetic style; on the contrary, it must be examined as the regeneration of some folkloric patterns. Correspondingly, in magic realism, there are many examples, which can be considered as legacy of Turkish Folklore. One of the most colorful, powerful and permanent components of Turkish Folklore, Dede Korkut Kitabi{dotless} includes many mythic or surrealistic elements in its frame, as well as its main theme, which is mostly based on historical truths. In other words, many properties of magic realism stand out obviously in the tales of Dede Korkut Kitabi{dotless}. In this paper, the magic realist components in Dede Korkut Kitabi{dotless} are analyzed, and by this way, it is aimed to show that this way of expression and narration is quite characteristic in Turkish folklore.