Religion and Literature in Ottoman and Republican Turkey, 1850–1960

Abstract This chapter discusses the changing representation of religion in literary texts in Ottoman and Republican Turkey between the years 1850 and 1960. A focus on the post-Tanzimat period sheds light on a range of developments that would deeply shape republican approaches to the question of the representation of religion in fiction and poetry. From reformist and rationalist takes on Abrahamic religions—including indigenous forms of Islam and Christianity—to more conservative interpretations of their faiths, authors and poets display diversified approaches during a transitional era that would ultimately see Turkey become the first secular republic of the Islamic world. However, the article also shows that some authors went in search of new forms of spiritualities that were outside the realms of Abrahamic religions in an age when increased interest for world affairs saw intellectuals engaging with the religions of East and Southeast Asia. Ultimately the chapter emphasizes the need to recognize the religious diversity that exists within the literary field in late Ottoman Turkey and the early Republic.