Studies in New Turkish Literature (Book)

Studies on New Turkish Literature is a collection of articles by Turkish academic Prof. Dr. Zeynep Kerman, published as part of Dergâh Publications’ “Turkish Literature – Studies” series. The volume compiles over thirty years of scholarly work on New Turkish Literature. The book presents revised and edited versions of articles, conference papers, and lectures written by Kerman between 1977 and 2007, many of which were originally published in various journals. First published in 1998, the work comprises 639 pages and reached its third edition as of December 2009.

Content and Thematic Structure

Studies on New Turkish Literature brings together the accumulated academic output of Prof. Dr. Zeynep Kerman over many years. The book consists of articles examining various periods, authors, works, and defining themes of New Turkish Literature. To better organize its content and present research from diverse fields, the volume is divided into five main sections:

1. Author and Work Studies: This section contains analyses of major authors of New Turkish Literature and their key works. Elements such as the author’s style, thematic preferences, character construction, and literary techniques are examined.
2. Thematic Studies: Specific themes, motifs, and concepts treated in literary works are analyzed here. Comparative perspectives are offered on how these themes evolved over time and were addressed by different authors.
3. Comparative Literature: This section explores the relationships between Turkish literature and world literatures, including mutual influences, translation activities, and the reflection of other cultures in literary works.
4. Studies on the Relationship Between History and Literature: This part examines how literature interacts with social and historical events, and how literary works reflect the social and political structures of their time.
5. Publication of Original Letters: This section includes previously unpublished letters from prominent literary figures of the period, sourced from the author’s archival research. These letters serve as primary sources that shed light on literary history.

Through this compilation, Zeynep Kerman presents a comprehensive perspective on the dynamic structure of Turkish literature, its process of Westernization, the impact of various literary movements, and the development of literary genres. The book approaches literary and intellectual debates spanning from the Tanzimat period to the Republican era using rigorous scholarly methodology.

Language and Style

The language and style of Prof. Dr. Zeynep Kerman’s Studies on New Turkish Literature are clear, academic, and objective. The author presents literary concepts and theoretical debates in a descriptive manner. The text avoids any promotional or laudatory language; instead, it focuses on analyzing the subject through scientific methods.

The Author’s Position and the Significance of the Work

Prof. Dr. Zeynep Kerman is recognized as one of Turkey’s leading representatives in the field of comparative literature, particularly for her extensive research on the Tanzimat and New Turkish Literature periods. She has taught at universities for many years and has authored numerous scholarly articles and books.

Studies on New Turkish Literature offers a summary of Zeynep Kerman’s long and productive academic career and addresses multiple dimensions of New Turkish Literature.