An ecocritical approach to Turkish literature centered on the land

The discussions regarding nature and its relation have not only been spoken in Western literature since the 1970s but have also increasingly gained momentum in various fields and become a significant agenda item for many countries up to the present day. This increasing momentum has not only been confined to literary realms but has also permeated diverse fields, prompting debates and artistic endeavors concerning nature and its relevance. The escalating threat to humanity's existence has engendered scrutiny of the human-nature relationship, giving rise to numerous research inquiries across various scientific domains. Works that question, criticize, or articulate the human-nature relationship also their place in the literary agenda. Conversely, critics, along with artists and writers, have assumed a role in cultivating a critical perspective by scrutinizing elements such as the representation of nature in works, the ecological dimensions reflected in art, and the characteristics of metaphors related to nature and the land. In this context, the function of eco-criticism naturally evolved to raise awareness of the nature of the bond between humans and nature, environmental crises, sustainability and symbiotic living, and to initiate discussions on works that serve these themes. In this study, the ways in which the land, which is characterized as "anasır-ı erbaa", is perceived in Turkish literature are analyzed. The relationship between human and land in modern Turkish literature, starting from the Tanzimat Period, the meanings attributed to land by humans, and its role within cultural, historical, and social changes have been examined through its reflection in literature. Thus, an exploration of the development and evolution of the human-land relationship in Turkish literature is facilitated, aiming to determine its significance within eco-critical studies.