The Role of Anatolian-Originated Stage Narratives in Cultural Memory

Turkish theatre, which began with traditional folk narratives, has evolved into a rich cultural heritage shaped by Western influence during the Tanzimat era. Genres like Karagöz, meddah, and ortaoyunu were deeply connected to the people, while modern theatre understanding developed through Westernization. Theatre addressing social issues took on both educational and thought-provoking roles within the framework of historical transformation. This article examines the core issues addressed in the transition from traditional to contemporary theatre. It evaluates how social, political, cultural, and individual problems are conveyed through theatre, based on key authors and works. Additionally, the interaction between theatre and society is analyzed in the context of the transformative power of art.