‘A human being takes up space in the universe not according to their body, but according to their heart’
From November 9th to 30th, 2025, Urladam Gallery had the joyous honor of hosting the very special exhibition ‘Human is the World’ in its radiant spaces, whose works were created with infinite care and exceptional professionalism by Dr. Figen Gürsoy.
It was undoubtedly a unique 22-day experience in every respect, as it was the first time that all the works (books) of the same author were reproduced in miniature form in the same exhibition.
Therefore, it was inevitably a rich venue, steeped in writer Kemal’s galaxy and cultural universe. We can truly describe it as a pleasant 22-day journey, characterized by a sublime and enchanting artistic beauty full of emotional and inner growth, cultural enrichment, personal improvement, and healing purification.
The ultimate outcome was a stunning location that exuded the scent of Anatolia and radiated an essence of indescribable artistic beauty.
Dr. Figen’s work, the fruit of great commitment, neverending passion, and tireless dedication, embodies the essence and flavor of the stories told by master Kemal. The same stories shared by the Doctor and immortalized through these moving miniatures on display. Indeed, it was precisely through these hanging miniatures that Yaşar Kemal still speaks to us today and continues to convey his message, as though he were still here. As if the protagonists of his novels were truly within the pieces, ready to rewind and begin the tale all over again.
As if the people and land of his childhood, which inspired Kemal’s writing, were no longer just distant memories faded by time, but living, breathing human beings with all their humanity. Hence the title ‘Man is the World’, emphasizing that a person’s true significance, impact, and ‘size’ in the universe are not measured by their physical presence, but by the depth of soul, compassion, and inner capacity. It is precisely through these miniatures that Kemal’s voice resonates more vividly today than ever, his beloved Çukurova (Southern Turkey) takes shape, its ancient still inhabitants breathe.
This awesome Turkish novelist and human rights activist of Kurdish origin, esteemed for his epic storytelling, always focused his work on the social injustice and struggles of rural life in Anatolia. Admired for his vivid, lyrical, and realistic portrayals of his Çukurova, often blending folklore with social critique, he composed many notable works: for instance, ‘Memed, My Hawk/İNCE MEMED’ (his first and most famous work, depicting a villager’s rebellion against a feudal landlord, the ağa), ‘The Drumming-Out /TENEKE’ (about a young administrator fighting against corrupt landowners). In the end, master Kemal was considered a ‘world-class novelist’ whose writing often highlighted the plight of the marginalized in Turkish society.
Inscribed in 2020 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity-UNESCO, the very old art of MINIATURE is an art originated from the East and has become widespread in the West. Miniature art, having a unique understanding of pattern and perspective, treats many historical and mythical subjects, and does witness the period it is in as if the artist were taking a photograph.
Now let’s examine Dr. Figen Gürsoy’s masterpieces, the art of miniature and Yaşar Kemal’s life and work.
🎨 DR. FIGEN GÜRSOY 🎨
Dr. Figen Gürsoy, a Turkish Physician and Artist, is a retired medical doctor who has become a very recognized artist in traditional Turkish Arts.
Born in Akhisar/Manisa in 1962, she graduated from Ege University Faculty of Medicine in 1985. Then, after 20 years of service as a general practitioner, she retired. Later, Dr. Gürsoy also graduated from Anadolu University Open Education Faculty, Department of Sociology in 2013, and from Anadolu University Open Education Faculty, Department of Cultural Heritage and Tourism in 2017.
But most importantly, she has been pursuing her book illustration and miniature work for 20 years as a student, producer, and teacher. In short, we can state that very precious work is her special ‘mission’. Besides, this artist participated in 128 national and international solo and group exhibitions. And just to end on a high note, we cannot forget her notably famous project ‘Human is the World’ (I mean, the topic of this article), and the inclusion in the UNESCO National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage as a Miniature Artist and Carrier of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
By the way, Dr. Gürsoy received training and certification from the ‘As Vitray’ Private Handicrafts course in 1991. And many years later, the training and certification in Miniature and Illumination, traditional Turkish decorative arts, at the Izmir Museum of Painting and Sculpture, under the Ministry of Culture.
During the following decade, from 2006 to 2015, she continued her particular miniature and illumination work with the ‘Rengahenk Group’ in İzmir (please take note this talented artist currently continues her miniature work individually as a student, producer, and teacher).
Finally, 2013 is marked by the prestigious ‘Achievement Award’ for first place in the 17th State Turkish Decorative Arts Competition, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, with her work ‘Istanbul, the City of Seven Hills’.
🎨 THE EXHIBITION AT URLADAM GALLERY 🎨
🎨 WHERE DID DR. FIGEN GÜRSOY’S INSPIRATION COME FROM? 🎨
Well, dearest Readers, we stated earlier this showcase series featuring a unique and extremely particular miniature illustration for each of the 57 books written by the great master Yaşar Kemal—known everywhere as the author who best portrayed Anatolia—is a first and a pioneering work illustrating all of an author’s books completely.
But most importantly, this exhibition at Urladam Gallery managed to reach and move many viewers and will surely serve as a genuine source of HOPE and INSPIRATION.
‘I was impressed by the miniature painting because it is a Book Illustration.’
Yes indeed, Dr Figen has brilliantly created miniature versions of the books she usually reads. And, first and foremost, miniature painting is her special way to express her most sincere gratitude for life:
‘These miniature paintings, which were illustrations of handwritten books from the pre-printing era and had become detached from books over time, are something I am very happy to reconnect with books by creating miniature versions of the books I read today. Miniature painting is my way of expressing gratitude for life’
But why did she choose Yaşar Kemal?
‘I also owe a debt of gratitude to Anatolia, where I was born, raised, nurtured, and shaped. And the writer who best captured Anatolia, its people, culture, folklore, nature, climate, flowers, plants, emotions, and attitudes is, by the undisputed agreement of the whole world, Yaşar Kemal.’
Consequently, she couldn’t resist opting for him:
‘After reading all of Yaşar Kemal’s books and studying miniature illustrations, I am expressing my gratitude, in my own words, to Anatolia, Yaşar Kemal, books, and the art of book illustration miniatures through this series of miniature illustrations, which is arguably the first of its kind in the world, illustrating all of an author’s books‘
And she did it: Dr. Gürsoy collected Yaşar Kemal’s cultural legacy, I mean his awesome thought and writings, and transformed it in a valuable treasure filled with PEACE, HOPE and LOVE, and values belonging to ‘humanity’. In other words, we can perceive this process as a healing journey from the abstract dimension of books towards the concrete reality of miniature illustrations.
‘The treasure that Yaşar Kemal left behind, consisting of 57 precious books, contains love for everything good, true, and beautiful in life.
LOVE for humanity, nature, children, books, art, science, culture, folklore, literature, poetry, novels, forests, the earth, the sky, flowers, trees, clouds, and so on. This treasure contains knowledge about the preservation, experience, perpetuation, and multiplication of values belonging to humanity. From my own experience, I know that reading a book by Yaşar Kemal broadens one’s perception of the world and broadens one’s perspective on life. I feel that my inner world is strengthened by Yaşar Kemal’s words filled with PEACE, HOPE, and LOVE. I believe that if these words find a place in many hearts and minds, our present and future will be strengthened and beautified.
Yaşar Kemal’s books, when I read them, transformed my abstract world into another concrete reality, miniature paintings. My wish is that this unique series, which took four years of intensive work to complete, will inspire those who follow it, allowing them to be nourished,
enlightened, hopeful, and strengthened by reading from Yaşar Kemal’s treasure trove.‘
Also, as we’ve already mentioned the value of gratitude:
‘I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Ms. Ayşe Semiha Baban Gökçeli, President of the Yaşar Kemal Foundation, for her unwavering support throughout this series of paintings.
This series of miniature paintings is dedicated to:
-the 101st birthday of the master Yaşar Kemal
-the 101st anniversary of the Republic of Turkey
-my eternal leader, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
🎨 THE ART OF MINIATURE🎨
Well, dear Friends, the extremely special art of illustrating novels is unquestionably a solid and long tradition in literature universe, but nowadays it seems people have largely forgotten this sublime practice. Nevertheless, if this beautiful tradition could be continued, that would be a wise opportunity for both literature and art. You know, since ancient times, even before the caves, these two magnificent arts have complemented each other. You remember any wall paintings draw their inspiration from ancient epics, legends, fairy tales, and folk songs, don’t you?
‘Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey have inspired paintings and sculptures throughout the ages. In our time, it would be beneficial if these two art forms supported each other even more intensely. I believe that the merging and integration of these two art forms, from ancient times to the present, is not without reason. The reason is clear and obvious.’
This kind of art is a type of two-dimensional artwork involving the design and creation of small paintings on books, papier-mâché, rugs, textiles, walls, ceramics and other items using raw materials such as gold, silver and various organic substances. The patterns of the miniature represent beliefs, worldviews and lifestyles in a pictorial fashion, and it is usually seen as a traditional craft transmitted through mentor-apprentice relationships (non-formal education) and considered as an integral part of a society’s social and cultural identity.
Just to summarize: this art displays a particular type of perspective in which the size of the figures generally changes according to their importance (on the contrary, realistic and naturalistic styles don’t follow this behavior). Come to light centuries ago, the miniature still continues to develop and strengthen the bonds between past and present.
🎨 YAŞAR KEMAL, THE BARD OF TÜRKIYE 🎨
On February 28, 2015 the bard of Türkiye passed away and his country lost one of its most supreme writers.
But how could we describe him? Who really was Yaşar Kemal? No doubt: the bard of the people of Anatolia, he had always been a man of REVOLT. Born in 1923 at the dawn of the Turkish Republic, into the only Kurdish family in the village of Gökçedam, the young Kemal had a bit difficult childhood, and his family had to flee from Van province to Diyarbakır. From there, they were deported to Adana province. Unfortunately, he lost his right eye in a knife accident, and when he was five years old he witnessed his father’s murder by his adoptive son Yusuf while praying in a mosque. Both traumatic events caused the author a speech impediment.
Anyway, Çukurova represented the turning point in his life, as it is the same region that has always been the landscape where the young and brave heroes of Yaşar’s stories roamed. Yes indeed, this amazing territory with its fields and wild nature, its scents and stones.
However, two of his praiseworthy merits were:
1) the introduction of Turkish literature to the WORLD: in fact, he rediscovered the oral tradition, that had helped the legends pass down from generation to generation and recited by storytellers, with a language reflecting everyday and peasant life
2) he told of ordinary and extremely SIMPLE PEOPLE, and their small stories that seem trapped for centuries and centuries in a fate smashed by extreme submission, in its perpetuity by the regular cycle of seasons and harvests. And by recapturing the huge richness of their language, he opened up other possibilities, subverting a system of oppression and abuse in his stories. Aa a matter of fact, he regularly focused on insurrections and revolts, alliances based on trust, beautified by a profound humanity. A humanity whose unique and incorruptible foundation, according to Yaşar, lies in childhood. Thus, everybody must respect children and cherish a childhood memory.
Nobody in Türkiye captured the lives of children and young people better than him. Nobody ‘painted’ their innocence and restlessness, their
purity and indignation at the injustices better than he did. In brief, he would never come to terms with that death and he constantly denounced the violent system of repression – oppression.
Yaşar Kemal, born Kemal Sadık Gökçeli, was a locally noted bard even before beginning school, who soon became interested in writing as a means to record his work after talking to an itinerant peddler, who was doing his accounts. His village paid his way to university in Istanbul. He worked for a while for rich farmers as a labourer in the Çukurova cotton fields, guarding river water against poor farmers’ unauthorised use for irrigation (nevertheless, he actually taught the poor farmers how to steal the water undetected, by taking it at night). Later, a letter-writer, a journalist, lastly a novelist. The police confiscated his first two novels, he was also imprisoned for alleged communist activities. Besides, in Akdamar Island in 1951, he saw the start of the planned demolition of the island’s Holy Cross Church. Thanks to his contacts, he helped stop the demolition.
Just to sum up, Yaşar Kemal was a longtime DEFENDER of Kurdish rights, a ‘warrior’ whose political opinions and public statements have repeatedly led to his being imprisoned, and accused of being a traitor. In the end, only in 2008 he received the highest honor for culture awarded by the President
of the Turkish Republic, while from the early years of his Turkish career he has collected many prestigious international awards.
In conclusion, master Kemal belonged to a generation of writers now unfortunately gone, for whom political, social commitment and writing could only create narrative lines longing for the subversion of a suffocating, repressive, and discriminatory established order. He was considered the most important
representative of Turkish socialist literature emerged in the 1950s. So rapidly, his work wisely and genuinely began by collecting elegies and legends among his people due to the fact that he lamented that contemporary literature had become so detached from the people, in particular from his people.
Finally, we have learnt the secret of writer Kemal’s success: well, in Yaşar’s opinion, before writing, he always had to return to the village. Basically, his stories, with their stylistic elegance, linguistic richness, powerful images, have had the merit of teaching the real and concrete meaning of oppression and injustice. As a result, the main message was ‘not give up the fight to end all forms of abuse and political systems that perpetuate inhumane forms of social injustice.’
🎨 GÖKÇEDAM, YAŞAR KEMAL’S BIRTHPLACE IN ÇUKUROVA 🎨
As we explained in the previous paragraph, the Kurdish activist and Çukurova had a strong special bond, as he always brought local people to the fore and centered everything around them. So let’s discover Yaşar Kemal’s birthplace all together!
GÖKÇEDAM (also known as Hemite, its formerly Kurdish name) is a very small village with a population of about 600 people in the Osmaniye District in Osmaniye Province.
Its most feature is a plug of rock in the centre of the village with a ruined castle perched on its summit.
The other attractives are the Ceyhan river, and a waterside park with a small museum dedicated to the famous author.
Originally a Roman castle, the settlement was listed as
Al-ˁAmûdayn (‘two pillars’ in Arabic) by Ibn Khordadbeh in 870. In 12th
century, Matthew of Edessa referred to the place as Amuda or Amudan. They believe the original Turkish name of the village was borrowed from its Armenian form of Amut.
However, keep in mind that ‘Gökçedam’ means ‘Blue Lake/Dam’ in Turkish (from gökçe ‘blue’ and dam likely related to ‘water/lake’). Instead, the original Kurdish name ‘Hemite’, still widely used, does reflect its Turkmen inhabitants and diverse cultural history in that Province.
‘Gökçe’ meaning ‘blue,’ often referrs to clear, bright skies or water. While ‘dam’, in this context, is potentially strongly linked to water features, perhaps a small lake. So, in the end, Gökçedam suggests a place associated with a ‘Blue lake’ or a ‘Blue Spot.’
🎨 KEY ASPECTS OF YAŞAR KEMAL’S THOUGHT AND WORK🎨
Master Kemal’s production is clearly characterized by the following aspects:
– SOCIAL REALISM AND HUMANISM, by depicting the harsh realities, struggles, and exploitation faced by the poor, that reflect his strong and deep empathy for the ‘little guys’ in the Çukurova
-EPIC STORYTELLING: the Turkish writer has always given voice to marginalized communities by prioritizing local folklore and mythology, creating grand narratives able to elevate everyday struggles to epic proportions
– tenacious COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS, in fact he was a loyal supporter of democracy, freedom of expression, and the recognition of all cultures, especially for the Kurdish people
-UNIVERSALISM: although his stories are rooted in Turkish life, he supported universal values, believing his characters’ struggles for freedom and dignity resonated globally, everywhere .
–a FOLK-CENTRED APPROACH that allow all of us to get acquainted with him as a crucial chronicler of social change and an advocate for workers and producers. I mean, a courageous ‘warrior’ believing problems were solvable through socialism and human rights.
🎨 YAŞAR KEMAL’S LIFE 🎨
The son of Kurdish landowners who fled eastern Anatolia in 1915, master Kemal’s first teachers were folk poets. One of them invited him to become his apprentice and told him he would become the new Karacaoğlan (the famous travelling bard of love and nature, devoted to the traditional oral storytelling). His favourite authors were Cervantes, Chekhov and Stendhal. And this full immersion in western literature was his most wonderful piece of good luck, even though his imagination has always stayed loyal to his own family’s history and the Çukurova of his childhood, as his book ‘MEMED, MY HAWK / İNCE MEMED’ clearly demonstrates because partially inspired by stories he heard from bandits seeking refuge in his village. Well, you know, this novel tracks Memed’s transformation from a vulnerable boy into a legendary rebel hero—a ‘hawk’. Driven by a sense of justice inherited from the folk traditions of bard Dadaloğlu, in the end Memed eventually returns to the plains of Çukurova to seek vengeance, liberate his village, and challenge the feudal system that enslaves his people.
Moreover, we cannot forget ‘TENEKE’ (the sound of the tin cans), symbolizing the bitterness of defeat and the tragic irony of a community who, out of fear or ignorance, reject the only person who was fighting for their dignity. A powerful critique of the feudal system and administrative corruption.
Also, ‘SALMAN THE SOLITARY / HÜYÜKTEKI NAR AĞACI‘, culminating in a poignant reflection on the loss of human dignity and the destruction of traditional life at the hands of soulless industrial progress, is another significant piece. In a nutshell, it recalls the activist’s personal trauma from his own childhood, specifically witnessing the murder of his father by an adopted relative.
Furthermore, ‘THE LORDS OF AKCHASAZ / AKÇASAZ AĞALARI’ with a narrative similar to a ‘dance of death’ where the old lords, unable to adapt to the new era, accelerate their own destruction. A masterpiece that blends shakespearian tragedy with the gritty reality of Turkish social transformation.
Anyway, Yaşar Kemal has enormously suffered for his politics: he was imprisoned, his first short stories and a novella were confiscated by police, he was arrested for trying to unionise local tractor drivers in the late 1940s and so on…However, he kept up his strong rebellion!
‘I don’t write about issues, I don’t write for an audience, I don’t even write for myself.
I just write. Yes, there is rebellion in my novels, but it’s rebellion against mortality. As long as man goes from one darkness to another, he will create myths for himself. The only difference between me and others is that I write mine down‘
—CONCLUSION—
The work of others often provide the impetus to ‘have a go’ ourselves. Ideas may sit for a while and time can pass, but making a little space for ourselves allows our ideas to take shape, and sometimes they come to fruition and are part of an exhibition. Maybe of a marvellous and pioneering showcase as ‘İnsan Dünyadır’ was. It is for this reason that Urladam Gallery showed remarkable foresight in choosing to host this event. It was, without a doubt, a brilliant move that allowed many visitors to admire the flawless works of Dr. Figen Gürsoy—gaining a deep appreciation for her both as a person and an artist—while discovering the works of Yaşar Kemal and promoting his passion for fundamental human rights. In short, once again, the human element was placed at the forefront, because ‘humanity is the world’. Once again, humanity takes center stage, in both its glory and its darkness. Once again, the human being is not a separate entity living in the universe, but rather a microcosm of the universe itself.
[Content: Urladam website, Kaleydoscop.it, Wikipedia, ‘An Afternoon with Turkey’s Master Novelist’ by Nicholas Birch-The Guardian 28-11-2008, Google.com, Dr. Figen Gürsoy website and Instagram]
[Episode VII-Urladam Series]
written by DOWNTON GAZETTE cultural website & FONTANA SHELTER ART
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