Turkish Folk Literature

Composed of "Tekke" and "Asik," works of literary worth, often anonymous and passed down from generation to generation.These include epics, legends, folk poems, ballads, elegies, folk songs, riddles, folk tales anecdotes, proverbs, expressions and rhymes.

Turkish Folk Heroes

Nasrettin Hoca
A 13th century humorist and sage from Aksehir. His witticisms are known throughout Turkey and often appear in conversation.

Karagoz
A jester, said to have lived in Bursa in the 14th century and now immortalized as a shadow puppet. Karagoz is a rough man of the people who uses his ribald wit to get the better of his pompous friend, Hacivat. The puppets are made from gaily painted, translucent animal skins and are projected onto a white screen.

Yunus Emre
The 13th century philosopher poet, one of Turkey's national treasures, promoted basic themes of universal love, friendship, brotherliness and divine Justice. His simple and pure writing is relevant and thought-provoking to this day.

Koroglu
A 15th century folk poet, Koroglu was a role model for his contemporaries and a hero of his time. His adventures have been recounted for centuries and perhaps now with more interest than ever. Koroglu was one of the first people to pioneer the ideal of unconditional help for the poor and down trodden. He was also spoke out against government control and harrassment.