The problem of evil in the thought of Ahmet Hamdi Tanpınar

The thesis entitled as The Problem of Evil in Ahmet Hamdi Tanpinar's Thought reveals Tanpinar's approach to the problem of evil in his stories and novels. The study was prepared by literature review and document analysis method. In the study consisting of three chapters and various subheadings, firstly, the theoretical framework of evil and the problem of evil is drawn. The evils are analysed as metaphysical, physical and moral, and the problem of evil is analysed under three headings: existential, logical and evidential problem of evil. The approaches of philosophers in the West and the Islamic world to the problem, their justifications and theodicies are also discussed in this chapter. The second chapter contains information and evaluations about Tanpinar's life, works and world of thought. In the third chapter, firstly, the findings of malevolent situations in Tanpinar's personal life, then in his novels and stories and the sources of these evils are determined. Subsequently, the relationship of these findings with the problem of evil and its types, Tanpinar's conception of God, his approach to freedom and theodicy in this context have been revealed. Tanpinar discusses the problem of evil directly in a short chapter in the novel Huzur. When his novels and stories are analysed, it is seen that the author accepts the existence of metaphysical, natural and moral evils in the world and evaluates the problem not as a phenomenon and in depth, but through its logical consequences and practical benefits. Tanpinar thinks that the problem of evil can only be solved by faith, not by reason. As a proposed solution, he argues that God should not be seen as the cause of the evils experienced and should not be included in the discussions, and that the idea of God should not be involved in simple daily problems and should not be worn out. Keywords: Philosophy of Religion, God, Evil, Theodicy, Ahmet Hamdi Tanpinar.