Değerlerin Aktarımı Bağlamında Âşık Edebiyatı ve Gençlik
Minstrel Literature and Youth in the Context of Values Transfer

Summary/Abstract: Minstrel literature has gone through various changes and transformations since pre- Islamic era, however, it has managed to survive as an important tradition of Turkish literature. Despite some breaks, it has protected its nature embraced by Turkish society for centuries. It is possible to say that its presence today can be justified with the facts that it reflects the thoughts of people through their language and that the representatives of this tradition are broadly welcomed by the society. It should be noted that minstrel literature that possesses a wide influence area in the society embraces the values of the society and aims to transfer these values to the future generations; because, art activities hold both aesthetic and utilitarian function. Minstrel literature has long been the mirror of society and adopted a rich identity through blending the long-lasting values it has brought. In order for this identity cultural sustainability to survive it is inevitable that this literature addresses the young generation and produces didactic discourse for this generation. Under this framework, literary works that cover cultural values uttered by minstrels/poets should be regarded as a means of transfer that address the young generation that will be the constructers of the future. It can be said that art-related concern is secondary to future-survival concern in this genre. When we look at the last great three centuries of the Ottoman Empire, it can be easily observed that minstrels expressed various values in their poems and aimed to transfer these values to the future. Values like respecting the elderly, consulting them, paying attention to advice, generosity, truthfulness, benevolence, modesty, and so on can be given as examples. Such values expressed through poems undertook a task to build societal order and to contribute to the growth of a desirable generation. In conclusion, it can be said that minstrel literature holds a positive effect on the transfer of values and the growth of the youth. Therefore, the survival and popularization of this genre today is of vital importance in terms of bringing up individuals with moral and ethical values.

• Details
• Contents