Examining the root values within the book of the Arabian nights and the contribution of fairy tales to children's literature

This study aims to examine The Arabian Nights (Thousand and One Night) in terms of root values, and to identify the importance of the book for children's literature. Today, values education is an important aspect of education, and therefore different materials, methods and techniques are used to promote values education. Literature review shows that there is no study investigating the book in terms of values education and children's literature. Therefore, it seems important to investigate the book in terms of values education and children's literature. Given the fact that some books influenced by The Arabian Nights have been prepared for purely commercial purposes, this study is really significant. The study includes fairy tales within Prof. Dr. Ziyat AKKOYUNLU's book of "Arapça Kaynaklardan Binbir Gece Masalları ve Türk Masallarına Tesiri". This is a scientific study prepared with academic care. The study employs the descriptive analysis to determine root values, to present qualitative data by using graphs, to interpret related qualitative data, and the content analysis to gauge the importance of the book for children's literature. Document analysis is also used on the basis of the root values found in the Turkish language curriculum and the main features of children's literature. Results demonsrate that all the root values determined by the Ministry of National Education and the expressions, attitudes and behaviors associated with these values have been found. Thus, it is true to say that The Arabian Nights including 2599 values can be used to promote values education. The study also examines the fairy tales in terms of internal structure characteristics. The results reveal that these tales also can be used in children's literature to promote values education.