The figure of woman in love stories of Turkish literature

The study investigates how female characters in Turkish literature, from folk literature to contemporary works, have evolved in parallel with changing societal values, gender norms, and individual quests for identity. The thesis focuses on how women's emotional, social, and personal aspects have gained strength in love stories, how literature reflects societal changes, and how the representation of women in romantic relationships is connected to social structures. Folk tales contain formal and content-related elements that reflect societal values and cultural structures. These tales often feature brave and idealized heroes who overcome challenges and are centered around themes of love and heroism. The thesis discusses how the role of women in folk tales, in the context of social norms and individual freedoms, evolves to emphasize inner qualities such as heroism, courage, and intelligence. Women are portrayed as figures who shape and transform the motivations of male heroes. In examples like the Dede Korkut Stories, women also appear as brave heroes, warriors, and leaders. The thesis examines how folk tales reflect women's roles and qualities in society, analyzing themes of love, heroism, and sacrifice, and provides significant insights into how Turkish folk tales convey the social status and values of women.