Mrs
Candan Kirisci The Gallipoli Campaign marks a significant turning
point in the Turkish collective memory. It takes place in the land of
an Islam-based, multi-ethnic empire. Yet its impact triggers a chain
of events that paves the way for the establishment of a secular republic
based on Turkish ethnicity. This presentation is based on the interaction of
literature on Gallipoli with the formation of collective memory with
regard to the topic. For this reason, it will attempt to analyze well
known texts on Gallipoli in Turkish prose and poetry. The period to
be covered is from 1915 to the 1960s during which most works of the
relevant canon are published. The treatment of Gallipoli in the late Ottoman era
heavily reflects the political and intellectual climate of the time.
Most works are written for propaganda purposes. The rest becomes a medium
to express views for the artist who is often caught up in the debate
of nationalism versus Islamism. Therefore, the presentation will take
into account the demands of ideology while discussing the relevant work.
In the republican era that begins in 1923, Gallipoli
continues to be a major theme. It serves the artist as a source abundant
with stories of courage and sacrifice which he puts to use for reinforcing
the newly established Turkish identity. The topic loses its literary
appeal from approximately the 1960s until a revival three decades later.
The presentation will conclude with a brief overview of the literary
production since the 1990s. Biography Mrs Candan Kirisci is Ph.D.
candidate in the Department of Western Languages and Literatures at
Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey. Her dissertation topic
is “the representation of Gallipoli in the literatures of Turkey, New
Zealand and Australia.” She holds Master of Arts degree in International
Communication from the American University, Washington,
D.C and an undergraduate degree in Translation and Interpretation at
Bogazici University. She
has an article on Orhan Pamuk’s Istanbul: Memories of a City which is
currently under review for publication. |