Homeland or the Internet (Vatan Yahut İnternet) is a book of essays authored by Mustafa Kutlu, one of the prominent figures of contemporary Turkish literature. Published by Dergâh Publications as part of its "Turkish Literature" series, the work brings together a selection of essays and articles published by the author in newspaper columns over a period of approximately twenty years. While critically evaluating the phenomenon of the "virtual world" brought by the modern world, the pursuit of speed and pleasure, and consumer culture, the book invites the reader to return to their own essence, to nature, and to traditional values. First published in June 2014, the work is 264 pages long and reached its 13th edition as of September 2022.
Content and Thematic Structure
Vatan Yahut İnternet contains Mustafa Kutlu's in-depth observations and critiques regarding the effects of modern life on the individual and society. The book treats as its main theme humanity's construction of a "virtual world" by moving away from natural life. The author emphasizes that the pursuits of "speed" and "pleasure" brought by this virtual world are in fact games of the ego (nefs), and that even when these pursuits are attained, they vanish, and the discontent continues. In the work, current social problems such as people's submission to shopping malls, the shackles of consumer culture, the disconnections brought by urbanization, and the fact that no one knows anyone else are voiced. Mustafa Kutlu calls upon the reader to see flowers and insects again, and to return to a purity that would not trade the innocence in the gaze of a baby goat, the smell of milk, and blackberry jam for anything.
The essays in the book create a sense of nostalgia and longing by speaking of our beautiful past life, of Anatolia, and of values that are on the verge of disappearing. The distorted urbanization and the changes in human relationships brought by technology are also important themes in the work. In addressing these topics, the author not only informs the reader but also makes them think about the necessity for humans to return to their own essence, to set limits on certain things in their lives, and to be subject to what is natural. Throughout the book, a search for a calmer and more meaningful life, far from crowds and chaos—an approach similar to the "Cittaslow" (slow city) concept—is perceptible.
Language and Style
The language and style in Mustafa Kutlu's Vatan Yahut İnternet are characterized by the simplicity, fluidity, and incisiveness familiar from the author's other essays and stories. The language used conveys deep philosophical thoughts and social critiques in a direct and sincere manner that the reader can easily understand. The sentences are short and effective, enriched with metaphors and similes that prompt the reader to think. The author avoids a dry academic style, creating a conversational atmosphere with the reader. No promotional or laudatory language is used in the text; instead, social realities and the author's commentaries on them are presented with an objective approach. This style makes the work significant from both a literary and a social analysis perspective.
The Author's Position and the Significance of the Work
Mustafa Kutlu is a writer known for his original stories and essays, and is considered a significant figure in the last half-century of Turkish literature. Vatan Yahut İnternet is a compilation that showcases the critical thought structure and social awareness he has put forth, particularly in his newspaper articles. The book gains importance for offering a perspective from Mustafa Kutlu's viewpoint on the fundamental issues of the modern world, such as technology, urbanization, and consumer culture. The work, which questions humanity's disconnection from its essence and its spiritual void, offers a search for a solution to the existential problems faced by contemporary man through traditional values and integration with nature. In this respect, it is a work that offers new perspectives for readers interested in the fields of sociology, philosophy, and literature.
