DESCRIPTIONS OF WAR IN MEHMET EMİN YURDAKUL'S POEMS

Abstract

Mehmet Emin Yurdakul is one of the greatest poets and writers in the history of Turkish literature. He was born on May 13, 1869, in Istanbul, the Ottoman Empire's capital at the time, and is known as the "National Poet." A master of 19th-century Turkish literature, he passed away on January 14, 1944, in his hometown of Istanbul at the age of 74.

The poet also served as a member of parliament during his time and showed a deep interest in politics. Strongly attached to his national and cultural values, Yurdakul left behind numerous works. Recognized as a poet, he also produced significant works in various fields such as research and storytelling.

Mehmet Emin Yurdakul’s poems were published in the leading magazines and newspapers of his time. However, the National Poet never aimed to publish poetry collections; instead, he released his poems in their simplest and most natural forms. For this reason, most of his poems were compiled into collections after his death. Like many other nationalist poets, he was meticulous about using a simple and pure Turkish language and wrote many of his poems in the traditional Turkish syllabic meter. Known for his clear, straightforward, powerful, and patriotic poetry, Mehmet Emin Yurdakul earned the title of "National Poet" due to his strong national sensitivity in poetry.

War, synonymous with battle and conflict, refers to the clashes between two small or large groups, often caused by national or religious reasons. Numerous films, music pieces, literary works, and publications focus on war, but poems written about the emotional and spiritual dimensions of war are particularly famous and impactful. These poems, often characterized by heroic and epic themes, can be analyzed from various perspectives. Many poets have explored humanity’s inherent inclination toward war, creating vivid depictions of battles over time. Among those who skillfully depicted war scenes, especially those central to Turkish identity, Mehmet Emin Yurdakul stands out as a leading poet.

This study begins with a comprehensive summary. After presenting Mehmet Emin Yurdakul’s life, literary contributions, national values, and works, it will offer an in-depth analysis of his poems, culminating in an exploration of how war scenes are depicted in his poetry.