Western Lifestyle in Uşaklıgil's Novels (Book)

"Western Lifestyle in Uşaklıgil’s Novels" is an academic study written by Prof. Dr. Zeynep Kerman and published as part of Dergâh Publications’ “Turkish Literature – Studies” series. It examines how the theme of Westernization and Western lifestyle is treated in the works of Halit Ziya Uşaklıgil (1865–1945), one of the most important novelists of Turkish literature. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of how the “civilizational crisis” and the process of Westernization, which profoundly affected Turkish society after the Tanzimat, are reflected in Uşaklıgil’s novels. First published in 1995, the work consists of 224 pages and reached its second edition as of October 2008.

Content and Thematic Structure

"Western Lifestyle in Uşaklıgil’s Novels" argues that, given that Halit Ziya Uşaklıgil’s works represent some of the first mature examples in Turkish literature in terms of content, composition, and style, they must be examined from multiple perspectives to be better understood and evaluated. The book identifies the most significant phenomenon affecting Turkish society after the Tanzimat as the civilizational crisis generated by the necessity to transition to modern Western civilization. It emphasizes that this shift caused profound changes in the social fabric, worldview, and fundamental value systems, and that literature, as a mirror of life, was deeply affected by these transformations. The study posits that these societal changes gave rise to new types of characters in the novel.

This study examines Western lifestyle in Uşaklıgil’s novels under four main sections:

1. The Author’s Relationship with the West and Western Literature: The first section closely analyzes Halit Ziya’s intellectual connections with Western culture and literature, particularly through his translation activities and the influence of Western models on his original works. This section establishes a foundation for understanding how the author internalized the process of Westernization and reflected it in his writings.
2. The Characters’ Relationship with the West: The second section explores how Uşaklıgil’s protagonists respond to Westernization, their attitudes toward Western lifestyles, and their adoption of Western clothing, manners, living spaces, and social behaviors. This part analyzes the perception of Westernization among the educated and affluent classes of the period through the lens of character portrayal.
3. Livelihood, Money, Work, and Income: Given the growing importance of worldly happiness, money, and material gain in literary works after the Tanzimat, the third section is devoted to these economic and social transformations. It investigates the new professions, income sources, and material values introduced by Westernization and their place in individuals’ lives.
4. Interior and Exterior Spaces, Attire, and Decor: Due to Halit Ziya’s adherence to the realist movement, the fourth section examines his meticulous use of interior and exterior spaces, clothing, and decor to define his characters more precisely. It analyzes in detail how spaces and objects influence characters’ psychology and social status, demonstrating the author’s skillful integration of these elements into character construction.

Language and Style

The language and style of Zeynep Kerman’s "Western Lifestyle in Uşaklıgil’s Novels" approach the subject with academic rigor and an analytical perspective. The text examines the themes and elements in Halit Ziya’s works in a neutral and descriptive manner, avoiding any promotional or laudatory language. Kerman’s literary analytical skill enables readers to grasp the motifs of Westernization in Uşaklıgil’s novels in depth. The style is that of a scholarly article, aiming to inform and illuminate the subject.

The Author’s Position and the Significance of the Work

Prof. Dr. Zeynep Kerman is a prominent literary scholar and critic known for her extensive research on the Tanzimat and Servet-i Fünûn periods in Turkish literature. Through this work, she offers a significant thematic study of Halit Ziya Uşaklıgil’s literary corpus.

"Western Lifestyle in Uşaklıgil’s Novels" holds great importance for understanding the modernization process of Turkish literature and its manifestations in the novel. The book provides valuable insights into social change, cultural conflict, the impact of modern lifestyles, and character formation in Uşaklıgil’s novels. It serves as an essential resource for students, academics, and general readers working in the fields of Turkish literary history, the modern Turkish novel, literary sociology, and the literature of the Tanzimat and Servet-i Fünûn periods. The work also draws attention for concretely illustrating the “civilizational crisis” created by Westernization in Turkish society through literary texts.