Abstract
WHAT WAS THE TRUTH ABOUT KARAC'OĞLAN?
Karac'oğlan is one of the leading artists who has always stood at the center of the literary structure we call "Töreli Turkish Literature." However, his historical identity has been rendered almost enigmatic by the oral culture environment. Furthermore, this situation has brought about a perception that "everyone has their own Karac'oğlan." Therefore, within the sphere we call "the field of truth," the task of uncovering Karac'oğlan's truth has largely fallen to those outside the academy. To be clear, the fact that Karac'oğlan's name, which first appeared in the 16th century, is still alive in tradition today stems from his strong connection to this field. Indeed, it is thanks to this field that he can be considered a tradition, a fact, a phenomenon, a school, a type, or a cultural pattern. Karac'oğlan is also a tradition-building, Töreli folk poet; however, unfortunately, those deprived of this truth reduce him to a theoretically based, technical level presented to us by the West, thus falling far short of seeing or demonstrating the ontological and genuine aspects that constitute the essence of the matter. What is truly saddening is that Turkish folklore studies remain stagnant within this vicious cycle. In this context, this article also serves as a response to this understanding. The article explores Karac'oğlan's true nature through his melody, style, and lyrics. Indeed, it appears that these elements played a significant role in Karac'oğlan's establishment and ability to perform within a tradition that spans centuries.
Keywords
Karac’oğlan, field of truth, Töreli Turkish Literature, melody, style, composition.