The Whispers of Postcards (Kartpostalların Fısıldadıkları) is a collection of short stories authored by Oğuz Karakartal and published by Dergâh Publications. The work consists of short narratives inspired by various postcards, using the visual and textual elements of these postcards to reflect on historical events, personal dramas, and social changes. The book presents a perspective on different periods through stories inspired by historical segments such as the Turkish War of Independence era and World War I prisoners. The first edition of the work was published in October 2014 and is 53 pages in length.
Content and Thematic Structure
In each story, "The Whispers of Postcards" aims to uncover a secret or a narrative "whispered" by a different postcard. The book’s content incorporates various themes that encourage the reader to reflect on both historical realities and individual experiences. The stories are structured around specific and intriguing questions, such as the presence of Turks fleeing Istanbul after the War of Independence, how stuffed tomatoes became a symbol of the crescent and star flag, and a stamp album’s expression of happiness and longing. Additionally, historical details—such as the condition of Ottoman prisoners of war at the Seydi Beşir Camp in Alexandria and the connection between a Gallipoli martyr and the Mona Lisa—form the basis of the narratives. Specific questions, such as whether Yakup Kadri's character Necdet from the novel Sodom and Gomorrah was inspired by a real person or the reasons for a young naval officer's hatred of Sultan Abdülhamit, are also central to the stories. The work reinterprets these historical anecdotes and cultural details through the possibilities offered by the short story form.
Language and Style
The language and style in Oğuz Karakartal’s "The Whispers of Postcards" are characterized by the fluency and narrative drive required of the short story genre. The author aims to pique the reader's curiosity and draw them into the narrative, creating a distinct atmosphere in each story. Sentences are generally concise, aligning with the pace of the narration. The inspiration from the postcard format leads the language to favor visual imagery and brief, striking expressions. The style presents events and characters from an objective perspective while also containing an emotional warmth that allows the reader to connect with the material. By blending historical facts with fictional elements, this style offers the reader an experience that is both informative and thought-provoking.
Author's Position and Significance of the Work
Oğuz Karakartal is a writer who has produced works in various genres within Turkish literature. "The Whispers of Postcards" is a study that demonstrates the author’s interest in historical details and his ability to transform them into stories. The work is significant for its potential to uncover deeper meanings behind ordinary objects and events. It emphasizes that postcards are not merely a means of communication but also powerful symbols that carry traces of the past and inspire new narratives. The book offers a different perspective by reminding the reader how much rich narrative can be contained within everyday objects and forgotten events. In this respect, it provides a valuable reading experience for readers interested in the intersection of literature and history.
