Representations, Coexistence, and Solidarity among Minorities in Turkish Folk Tales

Abstract

Turkish folk tales are characterized by having the cultural characteristics of both the East and the West and feature charming characters such as Dev and Cüce. This study focuses on the tales where Dev and Cüce appear and examines their external and internal images, as well as the view held on them. As a result, Dev and Cüce can be said to represent the phenomenon of external others and minorities. This function is well shown in the story of Friendship between Devs and Cüces, where Dev and Cüce constitute the subject of the narrative and which confirmed the coexistence and dissolution of Dev and Cüce as well as solidarity and aspects of another coexistence. As a result, it is possible to confirm the solidarity within the minority, the attempt to break this solidarity by another minority, and the pattern of new solidarity and coexistence. Thus, it is found that another coexistence can begin with the acknowledgement of each other’s domains and each individual's great and small abilities and the quiet movement of doing nothing together. Turkish folk tales show aspects of coexistence and solidarity and present a way for everyone to coexist in a situation where anyone can be part of a minority, which is evaluated in this study as being of great significance.