Hergele (Book)

Hergele, published in 2025 by Dergâh Yayınları as part of its Türk Edebiyatı series, is the first novel by Uğur Sezen. The novel explores the interaction between individual inner lives and societal change within a time frame extending to the early twentieth century, through the historical spaces and cultural fabric of Istanbul.

Plot

The novel begins with the founding years of Karagümrük Spor Kulübü and centers on the protagonist’s internal and physical journey. Events unfolding at Hergele Meydanı of the Istanbul Faculty of Literature intertwine with impressions of places such as Sahaflar Çarşısı and Baku–Shusha. It narrates themes of loneliness, love, delusions, and mental confusion in a simple language within an intense emotional framework.

Themes

• Istanbul and Identity: A metaphorical connection is established between the city’s evolving face and the individual’s search for identity.
• Social Memory: Traces of collective history are traced through institutions and spaces.
• Spiritual Conflict: The protagonist’s inner fragmentation is conveyed through the theme of schizophrenia.
• Love and Loss: The protagonist’s love for Gülizar merges with a poetic metaphor.

Narrative and Style

The work features occasional interior monologues and richly descriptive passages. The author directly reflects the character’s emotional world through a realistic style combined with poetic language. Spaces are sanctified in parallel with emotions, while the language remains plain and fluid.