“Orhan Okay Kitabı” (The Orhan Okay Book) is a collective festschrift dedicated to Prof. Dr. Orhan Okay (1931-2017), one of Turkish literature's foremost academics and critics. The volume examines his life, scholarly work, and intellectual legacy from various perspectives. Published by Dergâh Yayınları as part of its "Tribute Book" series, the work highlights Okay’s contributions to Turkish literature and his influence on the generations he mentored, positioning him as a key representative of the "Mehmet Kaplan school of thought." First published in June 1997, the 382-page book reached its second edition in April 2011.
Content and Thematic Structure
The book posits that Orhan Okay embodied the qualities that made his mentor, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kaplan, a "school" of thought in his own right—qualities such as vast knowledge, devotion to literature, intellectual perseverance, discipline, personal integrity, self-sacrifice, and a love for his students and country. It emphasizes that, by following his mentor's path, he became "a branch of this school" and that the students he trained have, in turn, become professors who are now educating new generations at universities across Türkiye. This dynamic underscores the importance of transmitting an academic tradition and a line of thought from one generation to the next.
The essays and articles in the volume reflect Orhan Okay's broad academic spectrum. The book focuses on Okay's in-depth studies in the field of Modern Turkish Literature, particularly his analyses of literary figures and works from the Tanzimat period to the Republican era. Through his essays, monographs, critical writings, and articles, Orhan Okay demonstrated that literature is not merely an artistic field but also a conveyor of thought and culture.
The contents of “Orhan Okay Kitabı” cover his academic methodology, his approach to sources, his major works, and significant moments in his life. The contributions delve into topics such as his research on literary figures (e.g., Ahmet Haşim, Yahya Kemal, Mehmet Akif Ersoy), his analyses of literary genres (poetry, novel, essay), and his views on literary history and criticism. Additionally, anecdotes and observations from his friends and students offer insights into his character and his qualities as a mentor. This collective work makes tangible the profound impact Orhan Okay left on Turkish literature and the academic world.
Language and Style
As is characteristic of a festschrift, the language and style in “Orhan Okay Kitabı” reflect the individual academic and literary voices of its various contributors. While a generally objective, descriptive, and academic tone prevails, a deep sense of respect, affection, and loyalty toward Orhan Okay also permeates the texts. The work is devoid of any promotional or overly laudatory language; rather, it presents a serious analysis and assessment of Okay's ideas, personality, and scholarly contributions. The diverse contributions enrich the volume, lending it a multifaceted quality.
The Contributors' Role and the Significance of the Work
This book is a collective work created through the contributions of various stakeholders from Orhan Okay’s academic community, including his students, colleagues, and friends. This approach allows the work to present multiple perspectives and demonstrate Okay’s multifaceted influence.
“Orhan Okay Kitabı” holds great significance for the continuation of academic traditions, the master-apprentice relationship, and the preservation of scholars' legacies in Türkiye. By comprehensively presenting the life and works of a scholar like Orhan Okay, the book immortalizes his contributions to Turkish literary studies. It is an indispensable resource for students, academics, and general readers interested in Modern Turkish Literature, literary history, literary criticism, academic methodology, and the history of education. The work reveals how an academic can establish a school of thought not only through his writings but also through the generations of scholars he nurtures.
