Epic of Sheikh Bedreddin by Hikmet and the challenges of translations - Dissertation Example

Specifically, there will be an examination of the work of Hikmet and “The Epic of Sheikh Bedreddin.” This particular work was noted as one of the most controversial of the time, specifically because of the relationship to the revolution in Turkey and the social, cultural and political stigma which was surrounding the era. The author had direct relationships to the intent of the epic as well as the literary devices which were used throughout the epic to convey the various meanings and deeper understanding of the time frame (Wade, S, 2001).

However, the translations which have occurred into English have created various controversial topics in terms of the meaning of the literary devices, alterations in the poem and the interpretations which have been taken in terms of philosophies. Examining the influences of translators and how this begins to shape and reform the poetry then becomes an essential component of understanding the work and how it alters in meaning from the translation. Research Hypothesis / Question The basis of this research will be to examine the “Epic of Sheikh Bedreddin” by Hikmet and the challenges which have arisen in terms of translations.

Specifically, the research question will ask if the interpretations of the translators have been able to convey the meaning of Hikmet’s Epic or whether there were other motives which arose. The translations will look at the overall meaning of the translations, choice of words, possible interpretations and the philosophies of the translators which may have altered the meaning of the Epic originally written by Hikmet. . Examining the influences of translators and how this begins to shape and reform the poetry then becomes an essential component of understanding the work and how it alters in meaning from the translation.

Research Hypothesis / Question The basis of this research will be to examine the “Epic of Sheikh Bedreddin” by Hikmet and the challenges which have arisen in terms of translations. Specifically, the research question will ask if the interpretations of the translators have been able to convey the meaning of Hikmet’s Epic or whether there were other motives which arose. The translations will look at the overall meaning of the translations, choice of words, possible interpretations and the philosophies of the translators which may have altered the meaning of the Epic originally written by Hikmet.

By examining these various aspects of the translation, deeper meaning into the Epic can be considered as well as changes which were made with the writing. Brief History of the Translation of Hikmet The original “Epic of Sheikh Bedreddin” was written in 1939 by Hikmet. The approach which Hikmet took was based on responding to the observations of the changes which were occurring in the Ottoman Empire in Turkey. Specifically, Hikmet was interested in the social and cultural revolution of Turkey and the movement into modernism.

This approach is one which coined Hikmet as a revolutionary and led to complexities in his personal life, specifically as a result of the political and social challenges which were created from the Epic. The response which this received from society led to the translations which immediately followed. A total of 3 translators became