Transformation of a Public Hero: From Saban to Recep Ivedik

This thesis aims to present how public perceives Saban and Recep Ivedik, who are both regarded as public heroes and at the same time very similar and very different. Also in this regard, this study aims to present how Saban is transformed to Recep Ivedik as a public hero. Moments when spectators had conflicting feelings and when they felt common values with Saban and Recep Ivedik has been identified. In addition, Saban and Recep Ivedik is compared in terms of socio-economical and cultural perspectives. Saban and Recep Ivedik, both products of pop culture, are liked significantly by the public. Curiosity for understanding the source of public's love and loyalty to Saban, and big interest to Recep Ivedik have been the driving force to this work. This study is grounded by reception studies in tradition of cultural studies, spectators are considered with an active perspective. In terms of data collection, semi-structured interviews and unstructured observation techniques are employed. 28 people who watched these films voluntarily are interviewed. Interviewees are from both genders, they are between 20 and 65 years old, from society's different sections and with varying occupations. Interviewees are selected by criterion sampling method. Interviewees' receptions are analyzed as a two sided process, when considering the circumstances and their reactions. Datas collected from interviews are analyzed in a descriptive way. This study identifies that, even though spectators with different socio-economic status creates differences in their reception, in essence they have similar understandings about both characters. After theoretical research and interviews, it is concluded that transformation from Saban to Recep Ivedik happened in line with societal changes. Saban and Recep Ivedik satisfy spectator's societal, cultural and social needs, this is seen as the love to both characters and high number of spectators.