Tell Me About It. The Turkish Art of Storytelling.

Islam is adverse to figurative representations, therefore the former Ottoman Empire developed various forms of the art of storytelling, including prose, melodeclamation and songs of epic narratives. Meddah stories and ashik songs could be heard in Turkish caravanserais, cafés and narrow bazaar streets up until the early 20th century. Elements of these traditions, derived from shamanism, itinerant singers’ improvisations, and performers of Persian and Arabic epics, are still present in contemporary Turkish culture. They are also referenced by Orhan Pamuk, who weaves the numerous legends and tales from the world of Osman meddahs  and Persian pardedars, of master miniaturists, sultans and khawajas, into his novel My Name Is Red. 

Turkologist, story teller and culture animator Agnieszka Ayşen Kaim, will talk about the fascinating Ottoman heritage, reminiscent of contemporary stand-up and storytelling.