Theme and structure in Metin Önal Mengüşoğlu's novels and short stories

This study examines the novels and short stories of Metin Önal Mengüşoğlu, a prominent figure in contemporary Turkish literature, in terms of their themes and structure. The thesis briefly examines the stages that Turkish novels and short stories have undergone, from the Tanzimat period to the present day, emphasizing how this historical heritage forms a background that nourishes Mengüşoğlu's artistic understanding. An examination of Mengüşoğlu's life, literary personality, and works reveals that the most fundamental elements shaping his artistic production are Islamic sensitivity, traditional values, historical awareness, and a critical stance against modernization. The study analyzes in detail thematic and structural aspects of his novel Yerler Mühürlendi and the short stories Dr. S, Gâvur Kayırıcılar, and İstanbul Hikâyeleri. From a thematic perspective, the works intensely explore themes such as individual and social conflict, alienation, loneliness, belonging, internal reckoning, struggle, the relationship between man and the city, the relationship between man and nature, traditional life, and modernization. In this context, the author states: His works are interwoven with themes such as the individual's spiritual quest and inner loneliness, social disintegration, the identity crisis brought on by modernization, and the erosion of traditional values. From a structural perspective, Mengüşoğlu's works are characterized by fragmented plots, flashbacks, internal monologues, and different perspectives. It has been determined that the plot does not develop linearly, but rather uses a multilayered structure that oscillates between past and present. The diversity of the characters and the fictionalization of settings, particularly Harput, Elâzığ, Istanbul, and rural life, demonstrate the author's aim to construct both individual and collective memory in his works. In terms of language and style, the use of local dialect elements, folk expressions, and a simple, descriptive narrative lend the author's works a unique expressive power. Keywords: Metin Önal Mengüşoğlu, theme, structure, novel, story.