Gulyabani Legend

World creation myths typically revolve around chaos and order, the unknown and the known, darkness and light like binary oppositions on established. These narratives place chaos and the unknown before the advent of history and human existence. Darkness and the unknown have given rise to the creation of malevolent monsters in the human mind. These monsters are not merely products of the human imagination but also represent a fear rooted in the physical environment, nature, and the collective memory of societies place.

Gulyabani is the embodied form of this fear. This figure, carried by humanity from antiquity to the present, has become synonymous with darkness, evil, and terror. In Arab culture it is known as “gul,” in Persian culture as “gul-i biyâban,” and this entity has found widespread recognition in Turkish people culture under the name “gulyabani.” As a demonic figure, it occupies a unique position among evil spirits and monsters.

Depiction of Gulyabani (Source: Sarpkaya Seçkin, Yazıcı Ömer Faruk. Mehmet Berk Yaltırık. "Gulyabani in Turkish Culture." İncelemeler/İllüstrasyonlar.)

Gul and Gulyabani in World Cultures

In Arab culture, “gul” is known as the spirit of the desert and darkness. Hortlak-like entities cause people to lose their way, be deceived, and destruction. Their desecration of graveyards, consumption of the dead, and shape-shifting abilities manifest concrete fears.

In Persian folk culture, this figure is known as “gul-i biyâban” (desert gul) and is regarded as a being that disturbs the peace of the dead and devours them. In Islamic belief, “gul” is classified as a type of jinn. Female jinn of this kind are called “gul,” while males are termed “qutrub.” Their abilities to change shape, deceive, and kill their prey render them even more dangerous.

The “gul” that entered West culture as “ghoul” has also appeared in Gothic literature and fear tales, particularly renowned for its grave-robbing and tomb consumption habits. Today, “ghoul” appears in numerous popular culture works, horror films, and fantasy literature.

Gulyabani in Turkish Folk Culture

In Turkish culture, gulyabani is described in folk beliefs as a being similar to a jinn, hortlak, or Satan. This entity typically wanders desolate places, deceives humans, and leads them to destruction. From the Ottoman period onward, various dictionaries have defined “gul” and its derivatives as frightening and deceptive beings. In Şemseddin Sâmi’s Kâmûs-ı Türkî, gulyabani is described as “the manifestation of fear in darkness.”

In folk tales, gulyabani is a figure that roams graveyards or desolate areas, calls out to people to lead them astray, and then kills them. Associated with jinn beliefs, gulyabani has gradually gained a place in Turkish literature and folklore important.

Gulyabani in Classical Turkish Literature

In Classical Turkish literature, gulyabani is referred to by names such as “gul,” “gulyabani,” and “gul-i biyâban.” In this literary tradition, gulyabani generally represents malevolent forces and is linked to demonic entities together. In Divan poetry, gulyabani is identified with the opponent or ascetic figure. It is portrayed as a being that distracts the beloved from reason, leads them astray, or draws the poet away from his path.

In ghazals, gulyabani is not merely an element of fear but also serves as a vehicle for social critique and Sufi messages. Gulyabani is depicted as an obstacle or enemy that hinders the soul’s spiritual journey.

Gulyabani in Popular Culture

Gulyabani, extending from folk narratives to modern times, has also found a place in Turkish cinema and literature. Hüseyin Rahmi Gürpınar’s work Gulyabani is a significant representation of this figure in modern Turkish literature. In cinema, gulyabani has appeared in diverse interpretations, as both a frightening and humorous figure.

Today gulyabani is a figure widely used across popular culture, symbolizing childhood fears and appearing in a broad spectrum from cartoons to collection characters. This reflects its transformation from Turkish folk beliefs into modern culture.

Depiction of Gulyabani

Gulyabani is typically portrayed as weak, with prominent bones and pale skin. Its face is terrifying, its teeth sharp, and its expression threatening. This figure, which roams graveyards and is believed to feed on the dead, is thought to have pale skin. Long and alluring hair enhance the creature’s allure, yet do not conceal its danger.