Definition and Meaning
Necip Fazıl Kısakürek (1904-1983) was an influential Turkish poet, playwright, and essayist, renowned not only for his literary prowess but also for his political ideology. He remains a striking figure in modern Turkish literature and is remembered for using his pen to critique the philosophical and ideological trends of his time, particularly through his periodical Büyük Doğu (“The Great East”).
Etymology
The name “Necip Fazıl” is comprised of two Arabic-origin names:
- Necip (نجيب): Meaning noble or generous.
- Fazıl (فاضل): Meaning virtuous or knowledgeable.
His surname “Kısakürek” belongs to Turkish etymology, meaning “short rib”.
Background
Necip Fazıl was born in Istanbul, Ottoman Empire in 1904. He was educated at various prestigious institutions including the American College, Galatasaray High School, and the Faculty of Letters at Istanbul University. Furthering his studies, he went to Sorbonne University in Paris. Upon his return to Turkey, he embarked on a literary career that spanned poetry, novels, plays, and political writings.
Historical Context and Key Works
Kısakürek’s work is deeply intertwined with the political and cultural upheavals of his era. He strongly critiqued Westernization and secularism in Turkish society, advocating for a return to the roots of Islamic identity.
- “Ben ve Ötesi” (1932) (“Me and Beyond”): A key poetry collection embodying his early existential inquiries.
- “Çile” (1946) (“Anguish”): A representative collection of his poems revised throughout his life.
- “Bir Adam Yaratmak” (1938) (“Creating a Man”): A significant play reflecting his philosophical questions and spiritual motifs.
The periodical Büyük Doğu epitomized his ideological stance against materialism and humanism, running from 1943 to 1978 with several interruptions due to governmental opposition.
Cultural Implications
While his ideologies spurred debates and varying opinions, Kısakürek remains a celebrated literary and intellectual figure explored through numerous studies in Turkish academia. His work has been a widely discussed subject across different Islamic societies given its challenge to Western philosophical underpinnings.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms
- Synonyms: Poetic intellectuals, Islamic Revivalist,
- Antonyms: Secularist Writers, Western Idealists
- Related Terms: Islamic Modernism, Büyük Doğu
Exciting Facts:
- Necip Fazıl was imprisoned multiple times for his writings, reflecting the contentious political climate of Turkey.
- His life philosophy, often equated with the tenets of Islamist ideology, significantly influenced Turkish Islamist movements.
- Kısakürek was awarded “The Turkish Presidency Culture and Art Grand Prize” just two years before his death.
Notable Quotations
“When there are no ideals, there is no real life—there is only existence.” — Necip Fazıl Kısakürek
“I am at peace with my illusions, for my reality might be an ultimate one.” — Necip Fazıl Kısakürek
References and Suggested Literature
- “Necip Fazıl Kısakürek: Modern Turkish Literature” by Hilmi Yavuz
- “Islamic Fascist? Writing and Politics in Necip Fazıl’s Türkiye” by William White
- “Büyük Doğu’s Struggle: Necip Fazıl and His Ideological Stances” by Elif Kaya
Inspirational Farewell:
Dive into the multidimensional world of Necip Fazıl Kısakürek and let his profound words and ideologies spark nuanced debates and reflections within you. His works aren’t merely literary compositions but a window into the philosophical and cultural transformations of modern Turkey.
