An analysis of cultural Turkish myths in children's illustrations within the framework of attachment theory

In this thesis, the functions, meanings, and multifaceted effects of illustrations in children's books on child development are examined. Children's books are not only textual narratives but also significant cultural products that contribute directly to how children perceive and make sense of the world and regulate their emotions through visual elements. In this context, the thesis reveals that illustrations in children's books are not passive elements that merely support the text; rather, they are active narrative tools that enrich meaning and interact with the child's psychological world. The study particularly draws upon psychological approaches such as attachment theory (Bowlby, 1969) and identification theory to explore how children form emotional bonds with characters and what visual codes in character design reinforce these bonds. In line with current theoretical discussions in the literature, it is determined that key factors such as the use of color, visual language, facial expressions, and scene compositions in children's illustrations contribute significantly to children's emotional and cognitive development. Through case studies including The Epic of Köroğlu, The Bravest of the Brave, and The Flying Horse Tale, the visual and narrative characteristics of selected characters are analyzed, emphasizing the role of character design in preserving cultural memory and building connections with new generations. The literature review conducted within the scope of this thesis is based on national and international academic sources and aims to establish an interdisciplinary framework centered on illustration, child psychology, and narrative theory. Within this framework, it is discussed how illustrators can benefit from psychological theories while designing characters appropriate to children's age characteristics and developmental stages, and attention is drawn to the pedagogical responsibility of illustration. The findings demonstrate that children's illustrations, beyond being visual representations, serve as complex communication tools that help children explore the world, interpret narrative events, and express emotional needs by identifying with characters. In conclusion, this thesis offers significant theoretical and practical insights into how illustrators can utilize psychological approaches in the production of children's books, addressing the pedagogical, cultural, and emotional dimensions of visual quality in a holistic manner.