Late 19th century and early 20th century's artistic and aesthetic representation of world literary currents in Turkish poetry

Abstract

The late 19th and early 20th centuries in Turkish literature marked a transitional period in prose and poetry, during which Turkish national literature began to take shape. This era was marked by significant competition and interaction between internal traditions and external influences, as well as the clash between classical Eastern poetics and emerging Western aesthetics. Turkish poetry, which had evolved over centuries, experienced a transformation influenced by various literary traditions, ultimately developing into a unique form. The objective of this study is to explore how Turkish poets integrated and reinterpreted foreign literary influences within the context of a developing national literary identity, by analyzing the impact of European aesthetic canons on Turkish poetry through the works of key authors. It was found that despite its relatively short duration, it was one of the most complex and pivotal phases in Turkish national life, characterized by important events and a rich artistic landscape, including literary movements, trends, schools, and groups. This era also saw the integration of modernism with traditionalism. The investigation of Turkish poetry from this period highlights the dynamic interplay of literary currents, reflecting both the historical context and artistic innovations. While the period is considered transitional, we believed it played a crucial role in the formation of modern Turkish literature.