Karagöz: A Journey into the Future
Karagöz, the iconic Turkish shadow play character, has been making its mark on theater and cinema for centuries. Director of the Karagöz and Puppet Plays Application Research Center and faculty member at BUU Fine Arts Faculty Performing Arts Department, Assoc. Dr. İbrahim Öztahtalı emphasized the significance of Karagöz in representing Turkish theater in Europe and as a tool for addressing societal issues.
Öztahtalı explained that Karagöz and Hacivat shadow play forms the foundation of television and cinema, stating that UNESCO added Karagöz to the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009, recognizing its status as a world heritage.
Historically, Karagöz has been performed as a theatrical play in Istanbul and other Anatolian cities. Öztahtalı described Karagöz as a primitive version of television and cinema, with the light and images moving on the screen creating a similar effect. He went so far as to say that Karagöz was the starting point of today’s cinema.
Elaborating on the significance of Karagöz in representing the common sense of society, Öztahtalı relayed that the Karagöz and Puppet Plays Application Research Center aims to introduce these important characters to the world, emphasizing Karagöz’s role as an icon of critical perspectives.
The Center has taken steps to make Karagöz more accessible, including signing a protocol with the Ministry of National Education to bring Karagöz to the homes of 18 million students through EBA TV. Additionally, they have compiled all Karagöz research into an international book, and are promoting traditional dishes of Bursa through their initiatives.
Nevzat Çiftçi, a contributor to the Karagöz legacy, revealed that the art form emerged with the work of Sheikh Mehmet Küşteri during the Ottoman Period and has continued to evolve over the years. The Karagöz and Puppet Plays Application Research Center at Uludağ University is dedicated to imparting the tradition to future teachers, ensuring that the 700-year-old Karagöz continues to thrive for centuries to come.
Overall, the efforts of these individuals exemplify a commitment to preserving, promoting, and evolving the legacy of Karagöz, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and relevant part of Turkish cultural heritage.
