World War I and National Fight in Erzincani Faik Osman's Poems

Abstract

Literature, as one of the auxiliary disciplines of historical science, plays a critical role in illuminating and interpreting the past. Literary genres such as epics, novels, and poetry, used in the transmission of historical events, not only provide a chronological narrative of events but also reflect the socio-cultural dynamics of the period. Although the subjective perspectives and emotional interpretations of authors may cause these works to deviate from historical reality to a certain extent, they constitute a rich and multidimensional data source for historians. The themes and motifs contained in literary genres such as poetry and novels allow us to understand the zeitgeist (spirit of the time) of the relevant period and the collective psychology of society. In this context, literary works serve as primary sources in historical research and offer a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the past. One of the important figures at the intersection of Turkish literature and history is Faik Osman from Erzincan. In his poems, Faik Osman extensively covered events that constitute turning points in Turkish history, such as World War I and the National Struggle Period. This study aims to analyze and interpret the historical events manifested in Faik Osman's poems.

Faik Osman's literary production should be evaluated not only as an individual artistic expression but also as a reflection of the social and political atmosphere of the period. In his poems about World War I, in addition to the destructive effects of the war, the social and political turmoil in the last periods of the Ottoman Empire can also be observed. For example, in his poem "Epic of Çanakkale," Faik Osman conveys not only the military aspect of the war but also the existential struggle of the Turkish nation in an impressive language. In his poems related to the National Struggle Period, Faik Osman reflects the spirit of the era by emphasizing the awakening of national consciousness and the desire for independence. His poem "Nazire to the National Anthem" can be read not only as a literary work but also as a symbolic expression of the Turkish nation's struggle for independence. In this context, examining Faik Osman's poems through a historical lens requires not only a literary analysis but also an interdisciplinary approach. The images, metaphors, and linguistic choices used by the poet provide important clues for understanding the socio-political dynamics of the period. For instance, symbols such as homeland, nation, and flag frequently used in his poems reflect the understanding of nationalism and the process of national identity construction of the period. The historical examination of Erzincanlı Faik Osman's poems presents an area where literature and history disciplines intersect productively. This study can be seen not only as an analysis of a poet's works but also as a re-evaluation of a critical period in Turkish history from a literary perspective. Such interdisciplinary approaches contribute to a more holistic and multidimensional understanding of historical events and enrich traditional historiography.