Turkish Folk Heroes
Nasrettin Hoca - a 13th century humorist and sage from Aksehir. His witticisms are known throughout Turkey and often appear in conversations.
Karagöz – A 14th century jester from Bursa, immortalized as a shadow puppet. Karagöz is a rough man who uses his bawdy wit to get the better of his pompous friend, Hacivat. The puppets are made from gaily painted, translucent animal skins and are projected onto a white screen.
Yunus Emre - a13th century philosopher and poet who promoted basic themes of universal love, friendship, fraternity and divine Justice. His simple and pure writing is relevant and thought- provoking even today.
Köroglu - a 15th century folk poet, he was a role model for his contemporaries and a hero of his time. His adventures have been told by people for centuries. Köroglu was one of the first people to pioneer the ideal of unconditional help for the poor and down trodden. He also spoke out against government control and harassment.
Karagöz – A 14th century jester from Bursa, immortalized as a shadow puppet. Karagöz is a rough man who uses his bawdy wit to get the better of his pompous friend, Hacivat. The puppets are made from gaily painted, translucent animal skins and are projected onto a white screen.
Yunus Emre - a13th century philosopher and poet who promoted basic themes of universal love, friendship, fraternity and divine Justice. His simple and pure writing is relevant and thought- provoking even today.
Köroglu - a 15th century folk poet, he was a role model for his contemporaries and a hero of his time. His adventures have been told by people for centuries. Köroglu was one of the first people to pioneer the ideal of unconditional help for the poor and down trodden. He also spoke out against government control and harassment.
