A POETIC VIEW OF TURKISH - GREEK POPULATION EXCHANGE: ISKELE LIGHTS TO GIORGOS SEFERIS FROM SUREYYA BERFE

Abstract

Throughout history, one of the most complex issues encountered between the Turks and the Greek is undoubtedly the population exchange. Although it is viewed with different perspectives in terms of political and historical contexts, it is tragic in its essence. Generally subject to political debates, the forced migration is among the themes portrayed in novels, it is rarely depicted in Turkish poetry. One of the contemporary Turkish poets Sureyya Berfe ( b. 1943) depicted the theme of population exchange by dedicating a lengthy poem named Iskele Lights to Giorgos Seferis to Giorgos Seferis (1900 - 1971) and to all people who were displaced due to forced migration. In his lengthy poem consisting of thirty-seven parts, with a feeling of kindred spirit, he depicts the history, memories and nostalgia of the people who were forced to migrate just like him. This article will identify the population exchange between the Turks and the Greek in poetry, with its humane and tragic aspects, free from historical, sociological, and political engagements.