IDENTITY PERCEPTION IN THE POEMS OF MEHMED AKIF

Abstract

Nation can be defined as a holy unity and integrity built collectively by individuals hallowed and achieved the awareness of belonging to it. In this sense Turks have been a great nation succeeded being able to exist thanks to their sensitivity about its entity for which they can sacrifice their individual entities in a heartbeat. Subjects to which Mehmed Akif has tried to attract attention have pointed out the most important facts to be realized in terms of a nation’s asserting its entity and then being able to maintain it. The perception of identity which has been suggested by Akif through his life and ideal person characterized in his poems, presents essentially not only a national character but a universal one as well. Akif primarily attracts attention to the importance of getting away from slough of despond for a strong identity construction by nation as a whole and every individual constituting it jointly. Comprehension of religious principals, the importance of language awareness, collective consciousness, science based working for development, correct interpretation of resignation, conservation of cultural heritage, the concept of homeland which is the assurance of national unity and integrity, the significance of family institution which compose nation are the other subjects on which Akif has mostly dwelt upon. In this work, national identity consciousness which Mehmed Akif has put forth depending on ideal person/ideal nation understanding, is tried to be explained.