Mehmed Uzun, one of the most important figures in modern Kurdish literature, is known for strongly conveying the influence of oral culture, and especially the tradition of dengbêjlik, in his novels. In his comprehensive presentation, author Kenan Söylemez examined in detail this influence that shaped Uzun’s literary world.

Söylemez reminded the audience that oral culture is one of the oldest methods of knowledge transfer in human history, emphasizing that Kurdish oral literature and the tradition of dengbêjlik are fundamental structures that carry the memory of society. He stated that dengbêjs are not only singers but also narrators who record history, social memory, and collective emotion.

Traces of the Dengbêj Language in Mehmed Uzun’s Novels

According to Kenan Söylemez, Mehmed Uzun drew deeply on the richness of folklore and oral culture while establishing modern Kurdish novels. In Uzun’s novels:

The Dengbêj language, rhythm, and repetition patterns, atmosphere-building techniques, and methods of transferring oral memory to writing occupy an important place.

For example, in Uzun’s novel Dicle’nin Yakarışı (The Cry of the Tigris), the “repetition” technique used in Dengbêj singing is transformed into literary language and adapted to the modern novel. Söylemez stated that Uzun consciously used this method to give his novels both rhythm and the magical sound of oral culture.

Following a tradition stretching from Evdalê Zeynikê to the present day

The presentation also touched upon important dengbêjs from the Serhat region, such as Evdalê Zeynikê, Şakiro, and Reso. It was conveyed that these names were decisive both in the continuity of oral culture and in the formation of Mehmed Uzun’s literary universe.

According to Söylemez, Uzun created a new literary method by skillfully incorporating the words, narrative style, and memory-carrying function of dengbêjs into the modern novel. In this respect, Mehmed Uzun’s novel writing is one of the most successful examples of the transfer of Kurdish oral culture into modern literature.