Sentences Around the Concept of History

Abstract

National awakenings that began in the 19th century, reflecting a search for roots and the pursuit of unchanging values, have influenced both intellectual and literary works. Works associated with the awakening and stimulating of national consciousness and identity among Turkic-speaking or Turkic-origin peoples can be categorized into two groups: historical texts (books and articles providing historical knowledge) and narrative literary works created by authors. Those who produce historical knowledge based on shared collective memory rather than local contexts actively support national awakening. Historians are consciousness-bearers who take the lead in alerting intellectuals. A historian aims not to evoke excitement but to raise awareness by structuring past information, removing unnecessary details, and offering findings and interpretations regarding persons, events, and circumstances. Conversely, works considered literary, whether anonymous or authored, primarily speak to the emotional atmosphere of their readers and listeners, aiming to evoke excitement. Literary works communicated through aesthetic reflection help build a common ground based on shared values and behaviors. Myths, fairy tales, legends, epics, hagiographies, folk tales, and modern narrative works aim to foster a virtuous sense of self and identity education by activating emotions and imagination to stimulate passionate interest. If historical knowledge created by historians becomes a source of illumination for developing national consciousness and contributes to shaping formal and informal education, the intentions of colonizers will fail.

This study presents conceptual insights that historians and literary scholars should consider when using historical and historically relevant texts to articulate and promote understanding of a people's intrinsic values.

History, Historian, Literature, Literary Scholar (Literary Expert