Discourse on Colonialism (Sömürgecilik Üzerine Söylev) is a significant manifesto written in 1950 by the Martinican poet and philosopher Aimé Césaire, and it is considered a foundational text of postcolonial thought. In this work, Césaire harshly critiques the nature of colonialism, which he argues is intertwined with Western civilization's narratives of progress and capitalism. Written at a time when colonial administrations were still in power in Africa and Asia and millions of people were under servitude, the text questions Western hypocrisy and its understanding of humanism, while advocating for a genuine universal humanism.

Subject

The work discusses how colonialism transformed and corrupted not only the colonized peoples but also the colonizing powers. Césaire exposes the relationships of violence, racism, and exploitation that lie beneath the surface of Western claims to civilization. It also provides an in-depth examination of the historical and cultural impacts of colonialism and the lasting marks it left on individuals and societies.

Themes

• Effects of Colonialism: The long-term effects of colonialism on both the colonized peoples and the colonizing powers are discussed.
• Racism and Civilization: A critique of Western racist discourse and its understanding of civilization is presented.
• Postcolonial Criticism: The foundation of the cultural and intellectual movements that emerged in the postcolonial era is described.
• Universal Humanism: A genuine understanding of universal humanism is advocated.

Narration and Style

Césaire's style has a poetic intensity and philosophical depth. The work can be read as both an intellectual manifesto and an emotional call to action. The translation by Güneş Ayas preserves the power and impact of the original text for a Turkish audience.