An analysis of Yunus Emre's poems within the context of Pitirim Alexandrovi̇ch Sorokin's alturism theory

Altruism is one of the major concepts of social psychology that examines human beings, human emotions, thoughts and why and how they change. Altruism is the unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others. According to sociologist P.A. Sorokin, whose purpose was to discover methods that can increase the potential of love, altruism and creativity in human beings, the goal to be reached is aiming to be more altruistic. The human mind encompasses ideas, beliefs, tastes, morals, and aesthetic values. Spiritual phenomena are among the most influential ones in terms of human personality. They are the most effective phenomena in terms of placing one's own self in the second plan and prioritizing the well-being of others. World-renowned poet Yunus Emre, who is thought to have lived in Anatolia between the second quarter of the thirteenth century and the first quarter of the fourteenth century, addressed peace, friendship, unity, solidarity, self-control, benevolence, being far from evil and being close to good in his poems. In this study, firstly Yunus Emre's poems will be discussed in terms of Sorokin's altruism theory. It is believed that this study will contribute to certain fields such as psychology, social psychology, and sociology in theoretical and practical aspects. This research is conducted using qualitative research method and the data obtained within the framework of document analysis technique were evaluated as per content analysis. As a result of this study, it is understood how well Yunus Emre's "Divan" and his poems in his Mesnevi called "Risâletü'n-Nushiyye" reach universal dimensions and are compatible with Sorokin's altruistic personality and concept of altruism. Keywords: Yunus Emre, Psychology, Social Psychology, Altruism, P. A. Sorokin.