Children's literature and fairy tale: Tales told in Viranşehir

This study aims to examine the fairy tales that have been passed down through generations in Viranşehir, district of Şanlıurfa, in terms of the basic principles of children's literature. In this context, 17 fairy tales known in the region are analyzed by using the scanning method from the qualitative research approach. The fairy tales are examined in detail under the headings of content features: subject, theme, heroes (characters), messages, language and expression, environment, educational principles. As a result of the study, whether the fairy tales are suitable for children's literature is analyzed being considered one by one. It is found that fairy tales examined in Chapter 1 are appropriate for the basic principles of children's literature, while fairy tales mentioned in Chapter 2 set bad examples for children in terms of main ideas and messages besides heavily involving violence incidents. It is determined that fairy tales examined in Chapter 3 are suitable for children in terms of the main idea and message; however, they need to be revised due to the intensive use of some slang words and negative behaviors. In conclusion, how fairy tales that set bad examples for children could be revised is stated.