“Anatolian Humanism” in the Literature, Decorative Arts and Tourist Spaces of Turkey (1960–1990)

Conception of Anatolia as the cradle of Western civilization has been one of many sources in search of an identity for the new secular nation state since early 20^th century in Turkey. Homer’s Illiad, written in Troy during 8^th century B.C, was the most important evidence that this approach depended on. The idea of an “Anatolian Humanism” became influential especially after the translation of Illiad into Turkish by Azra Erhat in early 1950s. Along with other intellectuals, Erhat promoted the idea that the modern Turkish state should claim ancient Greek heritage and build its secular identity based on early humanist values that existed in Illiad. She wrote extensively about the landscape, history and culture of the region, seeking racial links between the Trojans and Turks. Erhat’s work significantly influenced arts and literature as well as shaped tourism industry in Turkey from the 1960s until early 1990s. Murals, handicraft and reliefs inspired by antiquity took their places in museums, hotels and other spaces. Novels told stories of Turkish heroes as descendants of the people of Anatolian antiquity and mythology. This paper aims to present the reflections of “Anatolian Humanism” on visual and decorative arts in 1960–90 Turkey. This endeavor involves a critical reading of relevant literature and questioning of the male voice as well as the search for a racial purity in the discourse. Their implications in decorative arts and tourism industry will be critically analyzed.