Karagöz and Hacivat: how two jokers became the heroes of the Turkish theater.
In Turkey, the idea of two friends who cannot find a common language has been popular for several centuries. The simple-minded and straight-forward Karagoz constantly argues with the well-educated Ezmat, who prefers complex expressions. Their quarrels became the basis of the traditional Turkish shadow theater.
According to the legend, in the 14th century, Kergoz and Chivet worked on building a mosque in Bursa. They joked constantly and distracted the builders, for which Sultan Orhan ordered their execution. Later, regretting his decision, the ruler ordered their pictures to be immortalized.
The figures are cut from animal skin, painted and moved behind a backlit screen. One puppeteer controls the characters and voices them, changing voices.
Today, Karagöz and Hacivat remain recognizable figures in Turkish culture. In 2009, the Shadow Theater of Karagöz was included in UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Vestnik Caucasus.