Examining the folkloric elements in Şermin Yaşar's works

Şermin Yaşar is an author who produces works for children and adults. In this study, Şermin Yaşar's works are examined in terms of folklore elements. The analysis is limited to twenty-seven books authored by Şermin Yaşar and the story Cumhuriyetin İlk Sabahı, co-written with İlber Ortaylı. The novel Söyleme Bilmesinler published at the end of 2023, is not included in the study. An attempt has been made to determine the extent to which Şermin Yaşar, a contemporary author, reflects Turkish folk culture in her works. It is aimed to provide a source for studies about Şermin Yaşar and to contribute to Turkish folklore. Moreover, an interdisciplinary study has emerged by examining the connection between modern Turkish literature and Turkish folk literature, specifically in the context of Şermin Yaşar works. In the introduction section of the study, the purpose, importance, method, scope, and limitations of the research are explained. The first section provides information about the author's life and works. In the second section, the concept of folklore is touched upon and the development process of folklore in the world and in Turkey is explained. This section also briefly touches on the influence of folklore on contemporary literature. In the third section, folklore elements in Şermin Yaşar's works were identified. The works were examined in order according to the date they were first written. With this method, it was observed to what extent the frequency of the author's use of folklore in his works changed over time. Sedat Veyis Örnek's classification is the basis for determining subcategories of folklore. In line with the works examined, some changes were made in this classification and subheadings were created. In conclusion, it is determined that Şermin Yaşar frequently incorporates folklore elements in her works, thereby adding naturalness and fluency to the narrative, and contributing to the transmission of cultural heritage.