Structure, theme and narration in the works of Barlas Özarıkça

Barlas Özarıkça is a writer who has produced works in the genres of novel, short story, and essay, occupying a distinct place in contemporary Turkish literature both in terms of the themes he addresses and the narrative features he employs. Understanding and appreciating the different literary genres in the Republican era makes the works of Özarıkça important. The author wrote for the literary magazine Varlık for many years. While writing his first novel, "Ters Adam," he met his idol Oğuz Atay and later developed a close friendship with him. The influence of this closeness on Özarıkça's language in his works is a notable feature. In 1986, the author completed his novel "Ters Adam" and published it through his own means. It is evident that his novels carry the influence of Oğuz Atay and continue with postmodern tendencies. As a writer who lived through the coups of May 27, 1960, March 12, 1971, and September 12, 1980, Özarıkça reflects the political and economic atmosphere of the period in his works, displaying the gap between different mentalities and portraying various themes through his own worldview. In this study, Barlas Özarıkça's works—novels, short stories, and essays—are analyzed in terms of their structures, narrative techniques, plot development, character progression, and the use of time and space. The themes of the works have been examined to showcase the reactions to societal and political events, as well as an individual's inner world and quest for identity. By evaluating the author's language usage, narrative style, and the thematic elements he addresses in Turkish literature, the aim is to bring the visibility of Barlas Özarıkça and his works to the forefront in the literary world.