The Orient-Occident analogy in Kurban Said’s novel Das Mädchen vom Goldenen Horn
Mutlu Er, Max Florian HertschThis paper presents a historical and literary evaluation based on Kurban Said’s novel Das Mädchen vom Goldenen Horn, which was written in German in 1938. In this fictional book, Said provides a literary, scientific statement on the cultural clash between the Occident and the Orient, which is embodied through the book’s protagonist, Asiadeh. The novel begins in the Western World, in Berlin, and ends with a desire for the East, the Orient. Contrasts are highlighted between the cultures of Berlin and Istanbul, representing the Western and Eastern Furthermore, Said describes the cultural, oriental , and feminine potential of the Turkish society in the diaspora and defines their visions. In addition , historical and political facts are included. This study defines the literary perspectives of Eastern, Western, and Turkish cultures. The writer achieved a respectable reputation in his field during theWeimar Republic, after the magazine Die literarische Welt (LiteratureWorld) published in Germany, named him an ‘Oriental expert’. One interesting aspect is that Das Mädchen vom Goldenen Horn is one of the first books to deal with the issues of multiculturalism and cross-cultural perspectives. The story, which is likely based on some of the author’s experiences, shows how the characters, who live far from home, survive and what tactics they follow to handle life. In order to understand this strategy, it is necessary to examine Western imagery through the eyes of an ‘Oriental’ and, simultaneously, the situations a person displaced from the Orient faces in the Western World. In this article, the question of what the Oriental concept means – whether it is an imaginary place in the literary world or a geographical reality – will be answered in line with the views of Banse and Huntington.
Kurban Said’in Das Mädchen vom Goldenen Horn Eserinde Doğu-Batı Karşıtlığı
Mutlu Er, Max Florian HertschBu çalışmada Kurban Said’in 1938 yılında Almanca olarak kaleme aldığı ve Türkçeye de çevrilen eseri tarihsel ve edebi açıdan ele alınmaktadır. Kurban Said, bu romanı ile Doğu ve Batı arasındaki kültür çatışmasına ilişkin bir nevi yazın bilimsel bir yaklaşım göstermiştir. Doğu, ana karakter Asiadeh aracılığı ile vücut bulmuştur, fakat roman Berlin’de, yani Batıda başlayıp Doğu’ya olan bir özlemle son bulmaktadır. Romanda, Batı dünyasını temsil eden Berlin ile Doğu dünyasını temsil eden İstanbul’un kültürel tezatlıkları ortaya çıkmaktadır. Roman, diasporadaki Türk toplumunun kültürel ve feminen potansiyeli ile Doğu’ya özgünlükleri tasvir edilmekte ve onların değer yargıları da tanımlamaktadır. Bunların yanı sıra, tarihsel ve siyasi olgular da yer almaktadır. Makalede Doğu ve Batı ile Türk kültürüne dair edebi bakış açıları ve bilimsel anlamda Doğu kavramının kapsadığı konular da işlenmeye çalışılmıştır.Kurban Said, Doğu dünyasında her daim kendisine ait bir ize rastlamış ve verdiği eserlerle Doğuya ilişkin bu düşün dünyasını daha da derinleştirmiştir. Almanya’da yayımlanan Die literarische Welt adlı derginin Kurban Said’i ‘Doğu uzmanı’ olarak adlandırmasıyla yazar, Weimar Cumhuriyeti döneminde kendi alanında oldukça ün kazanmıştır. Çokkültürlülük ve kültürlerarasılık konularını ele alan ilk romanlardan biri olan Das Mädchen vom Goldenen Horn’un ilgi çekici taraflarından birisi de, Kurban Said’in muhtemelen kendi deneyimlerinden yola çıkarak kaleme aldığı, memleketinden uzakta yaşayan karakterlerin nasıl ayakta kaldıklarının ve hangi stratejiyi izlediklerinin gösterilmesidir. Bu stratejiyi anlamak için, Doğu’nun gözündeki Batı imgelemi ve Doğu dünyasından gelen bir sürgünün Batı’da karşılaştığı durumları incelemek gerekmektedir. Bu makalede, Doğu kavramının tam olarak neyi ifade ettiği -yazın dünyasındaki hayali bir yer mi, yoksa coğrafi bir gerçeklik mi- sorusuna Ewald Banse ve Huntington’ın görüşleri doğrultusunda yanıt aranacaktır.
Das Mädchen vom Goldenen Horn by Kurban Said is a remarkable literary work that beckons scholars and enthusiasts alike to engage with its intricate cultural commentary and historical significance. The present article endeavors to dive deeper into various aspects of this novel, offering a comprehensive analysis that underscores its lasting impact on ourunderstanding of the cultural dynamics between the Occident and the Orient.
As the narrative unfolds, the reader is transported to the vibrant environment of 1938 Berlin, a Western metropolis that embodies the quintessence of modernity and progress. Against this backdrop, the character of Asiadeh emerges as a captivating embodiment of the clash between civilizations, serving as a conduit through which the complex interplay of cultures is illuminated. From the bustling streets of Berlin to the enchanting alleys of Istanbul, Asiadeh’s journey parallels the broader historical tension that has largely defined the Western and Eastern worlds.
Kurban Said highlights the stark contrasts between these two worlds through masterful craftsmanship. Berlin, emblematic of the West, is meticulously portrayed, showcasing its technological advancements and societal norms. In sharp relief, Istanbul takes center stage as a mesmerizing tapestry of Eastern traditions and sensibilities. Through vivid imagery and evocative prose, the narrative immerses readers in the palpable dichotomy that shapes the characters’ lives, inviting contemplation of the intricate forces that shape cultural identities.
The sequence of events in Das Mädchen vom Goldenen Horn extends beyond cultural exploration, intertwining the personal and political trajectories of its characters with the broader canvas of history. Said’s deft incorporation of historical and political realities may serve as a reminder that literature, specifically fiction, serves as a mirror that reflects the socio-political context in which it is conceived. The text seamlessly weaves real events into its structure, enriching the reader’s engagement and prompting reflection on the fusion of storytelling and historical consciousness.
Moreover, the story invites readers to deeply examine the Turkish diaspora experience, illuminating the cultural and oriental essence that persists even amid the challenges of displacement. Asiadeh’s journey becomes a poignant exploration of the aspirations, dreams, and visions that define this particular diaspora. By examining the emotional landscapes of characters straddling multiple worlds, the novel paints a complex portrait of identity, belonging, and the quest for self-discovery.
Essentially, this forthcoming article provides scholars and other readers with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted dimensions of Das Mädchen vom Goldenen Horn. Its meticulous analysis not only sheds light on the intricate cultural clashes that permeate the narrative but also showcases the novel’s profound ability to transcend time and space, resonating with contemporary discussions on identity, multiculturalism, and the enduring echoes of historical events.
Within this scholarly context, the article’s contribution to the exploration of Das Mädchen vom Goldenen Horn becomes manifest. The analysis – meticulously dissecting the interplay of characters, historical events, and cultural clashes – encourages readers to consider the implications of Said’s narrative in the broader discourse of cross-cultural interactions and shaping of societal narratives.
In conclusion, Kurban Said’s literary masterpiece is a gem that continues to captivate and inspire. The present article, with its scholarly rigor, offers readers a deep comprehension of the novel’s nuances across continents and epochs. This paper intends to uphold the legacy of Das Mädchen vom Goldenen Horn, encouraging future generations to engage with its tapestry of cultural, historical, and human intricacies.
