Masculinity perception and socio-cultural functions of men in Turkish culture from ancient epics to modern novels

ABSTRACT

Until the mid 20th century, males in Turkish culture were generally active outside the house whereas women were assigned more domestic tasks and expected to organize family relations. On the other hand, an examination of the Turkish history prior to the adoption of Islam by Turks shows that women were side by side with men in almost every area. The thinking that family is the most fundamental element which keeps state alive and woman is the fundamental element which keeps family together is a popular one in Turkish culture. In order to determine the place of men in Turkish culture accurately, it is necessary to examine the documents which date back to ancient ages and especially texts in the form of epics and novels. The actual purpose of the study is to display the perception of men in social structure on a spectrum that extends from epics, which are the first and oldest texts of Turkish culture and literature, to modern novels along with their socio-cultural functions. In addition, attitudes and behaviors concerning gender will be determined and emphasis will be put on the reasons which lead to the emergence of such behaviors. The study will also attempt to display the scope of the changes and differences in some areas of Turkish men in the process of change that extends from epics to modern novels and to determine the socio-cultural roles of men in the society and family.

KEYWORDS:

• Turkish
• socio-cultural
• man
• masculinity
• novel
• epic