Peasantist discourse in Turkish novels of the Democratic Party era

The Democratic Party, which came to power in 1950, implemented various policies aimed at rural development to improve the economic and social life of the rural population. Policies focused on villages and villagers brought about significant social change and transformation. Literature was also influenced by this wave of change. This study, titled "Peasantist Discourse in Turkish Novels of the Democratic Party Era," aims to demonstrate how peasantist discourse were represented in novels written during this period and how the societal changes of the time were reflected in literature. The study employed qualitative research methodologies, particularly discourse and content analysis. 26 novels portraying villages and villagers from the 1950–1960 period, known as the Democratic Party Era, were examined. The study first discussed the period's concepts, actors, and practices to provide a solid understanding of the subject. The historical and theoretical foundations underpinning peasantist discourse were elaborated. Additionally, the establishment of the Democratic Party and the process leading to its eventual downfall were outlined. Expressions related to peasantist discourse were exemplified through the novels analyzed. Descriptions of villages and villagers, the social transformation of the rural community, the new identities formed by the evolving peasantry, the belief systems and ideological orientations of villagers, the relationship between authority and villagers, as well as the victimization and resistance of villagers, were all examined regarding the discourse. The findings revealed that peasantist discourse is distinctly present in Turkish novels of the Democratic Party Era. It was observed that perceptions of villagers varied in connection with political ideologies. This study provides a multidimensional analysis of peasantist discourse in the period's novels. Examining the discourse through historical, ideological, and literary dimensions aims to reveal how literature interacted with social and political processes.