Abstract:

In this article, the phenomenon of Alevism taking place in Fakir Baykurt's novel "Turtles" has been examined. In the frame of the research, "Turtles" was read twice; in the first reading of the book, the elements related to Alevism have been identified; and in the second reading of the novel relationship between these factors and the content of the novel and their contribution to the book were examined. In this work of art in which the tragic life of Alevî villagers is described and a set of beliefs and rituals pertaining to Alevism are included. The fact that conventional applications and elements of oral literature such as "Morsel sharing, religious rituals, religious dances, Dedelik (the upper authority in Alevism) institution, sayings, and so on." take place in the novel has given opportunity to examine the relationship between people and society. Difficulties for Alevi villagers of Tozaklı to find the wine grapes create the framework of the novel. Through the narration the reader, on the one hand, witnesses the adventures of peasants planting vineyards, and on the other hand, reads about religious beliefs and rituals of Alevî heroes. In this respect the work does not include the psychological analyses, but the nature of the social fabric of a community. The social life built with religious and cultural elements is reflected in the novel on the same axis. "Turtles" is a remarkable work of art most of whose heroes are composed of Alevî peasants and it includes positive descriptions regarding Alevism.

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