FROM TRACES OF THE PAST TO THE FUTURE: THE LITERARY LEGACY OF YAHYA KEMAL BEYATLI

Abstract

Yahya Kemal Beyatli is one of the prominent poets of Turkish literature who played an important role in the development of modern Turkish poetry. Beyatli’s literary understanding laid the foundation that greatly shaped both his career as a poet and Turkish poetry. In his poems, especially in terms of form, he used the tradition of Divan and aruz poetry, but combined these traditions with modern language. His skillful blending of old and modern Turkish made him a unique poet. This article examines Yahya Kemal Beyatli’s place in the literary world, his understanding of poetry, and his contribution to Turkish poetry. The poet’s life and work left a deep mark on both his individual and social identity, due to which he is remembered as an outstanding poet who combined traditional Turkish poetry with modern understanding. The article discusses the poet's innovative approach, his enthusiastic presentation of historical and national themes, and his treatment of social issues using examples from his works. In addition, the influence of the language and style used in Yahya Kemal's poems on the development of Turkish poetry is emphasized, and his cultural heritage and literary contribution are explained.