Evaluation of the educational dimension of Turkish fantasy literature through sample texts

The primary aim of this research is to examine Turkish fantasy literature in terms of values education. In this context, root values have been utilized. The study employs the document analysis method, which is a qualitative research approach. The scope of the study consists of six works from different periods of Turkish literature, which were selected using a simple random sampling method. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze the data obtained from the research. The identification and distribution of the root values, which form the basis of the examination criteria, were determined with reference to the National Education 2019 Values Education Directive. In this regard, it was established that students should recognize, adopt, develop, and apply their national and universal values. The root values identified in the selected works include love, respect, honesty, responsibility, justice, self-control, helping others, patriotism, patience, and gratitude. Additionally, direct quotations from each book were made to provide examples of values transmission through the relevant works. The study found that the most frequently addressed values in Turkish fantasy novels are love and patience, while the least addressed values are justice and responsibility. In the first section of the study, the concept of the fantastical and the definitions of fantasy literature are outlined based on the views of competent theorists, critics, and authors in the field of fantasy literature. Following this, a general overview of the development of fantasy literature in world and Turkish literature is presented. In the second section, the concept of educational value, the importance of educational values, and the place of educational values in fantasy novels are examined in the context of root values. The third section provides a detailed analysis of the works covered in the study based on root value expressions. In the conclusion, the role of the fantasy genre in the transmission of values is discussed, and the contributions of the fantasy genre to education and scientific thinking are interpreted. The discussion section includes comparisons between our study and previous works conducted in this field. In the recommendations section, we outlined various suggestions regarding the identified gaps.