The myth of shahmaran in Turkish mythology: An analysis in social and pictorial context

Within the discipline of mythology, the Şahmeran myth holds an important place with its origins, symbolic meanings, social and cultural reflections, and multifaceted narratives in artistic representations. This study evaluates how the figure of Şahmeran has evolved into a powerful image not only in oral folk narratives but also in works of art. In this study, the concepts of myth, mythos, and mythology are first clarified, and the main types of myths such as cosmogony, theogony, anthropogony, eschatology, and etiology are discussed according to their subjects. Then, the general structure of Turkish mythology is addressed, and the position of the Şahmeran myth within this structure is evaluated. The geographical and cultural origins of the Şahmeran myth are examined; symbols frequently encountered in the narratives such as the snake, moon, mother goddess, horn, pearl, and plant-flower are analyzed, drawing attention to their mythological meanings. Furthermore, how the figure of Şahmeran is shaped around the themes of female wisdom, harmony with nature, healing, and betrayal is discussed, along with its place in folk culture and reflections in collective memory. In the context of artistic representations, how Şahmeran has been depicted particularly in contemporary painting is examined, focusing on how artists such as Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu, Fikret Otyam, Erol Deneç, Serpil Akyıl, Can Göknil, Balkan Naci İslimyeli, and Ahmet Güneştekin have interpreted this myth in their works. Şahmeran is not merely a mythological narrative of the past but stands out as a powerful cultural heritage shaped around ancient knowledge, symbols, and the female figure, continuing to hold meaning today. The reinterpretation of the Şahmeran myth in contemporary art has enabled its encounter with modern interpretations, making Şahmeran an indispensable element of both traditional and modern narratives.