The perception of war in the poetry of islamist poets

This study aims to examine how the phenomenon of "war" is addressed in the poetry of figures characterized as "Islamist Poets" in modern Turkish poetry, and to analyze the doctrinal foundations of the imagery and metaphors employed within the context of war. Centered on the poetics of prominent Islamist poets of the post-1960 era such as Sezai KARAKOÇ, Erdem BAYAZIT, Cahit ZARIFOĞLU, and Nuri PAKDIL this research reveals that war is not merely a matter of physical conflict and destruction, but also a struggle situated within the framework of metaphysical existence and "resurrection" (diriliş); it further analyzes how war is depicted in these poems with the aim of preserving cultural memory. The study defines the phenomenon of war and focuses on the concepts of ghaza and jihad, which denote the laws of war in classical Islamic literature. The thesis is structured around key themes: Sezai KARAKOÇ’s concept of "Resurrection" (Diriliş), wherein war signifies a spiritual awakening rather than annihilation; Erdem BAYAZIT’s epic discourse developed through historical and contemporary conflict zones like Afghanistan; Cahit ZARIFOĞLU’s emphasis on the human and conscientious dimensions of war; and Nuri PAKDİL’s discourse regarding Jerusalem. The research concludes that, in the poetry of these Islamist poets, war is portrayed not as an act of destruction but as a struggle for a righteous cause; furthermore, a return to one's essence and an adherence to one's roots are identified as fundamental elements for the liberation of Muslims living under occupation and for the construction of an Islamic identity.