The History of Turkish-language Literature in Cyprus and its Connections with Turkish Literature

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to give a concise account of the history of development of Turkish Cypriot literature from the arrival of the Ottomans on the island at the end of the 16th century to recent times. The Ottoman conquerors brought their traditions, culture and literature to Cyprus, but the development of writing on the island took place at a different pace than in the Empire and was subject to different influences, not only Anatolian, depending on the political situation. Also, multiculturalism has had a major impact on the nature of the development of Turkish-language literature throughout the 450-year Turkish presence on the island. The article briefly outlines the most important political events that influenced the development and condition of Turkish literature in Cyprus. This is followed by a discussion of the periodisation of Turkish Cypriot literature against the background of the periods of literary development in Ottoman and Republican Turkey. It is usually possible to associate with literary eras specific genres that emerge, flourish or disappear in a given period. The history of the development of genres such as the short story, the novel and the stage play shows some differences between the literature of Turkey and Turkish Cypriot literature. Another important element that can serve as a tool of comparison is the subject of literary works, which is the most natural mirror of the historical events and problems experienced by the nation. A comparison of the characteristics of the literature of Turkey and Turkish Cypriot literature over the centuries shows that, apart from the period after 1974, Turkish Cypriot literature has developed more slowly and new trends have been appearing of late. Political and economic conditions can be identified as the main reasons for this.