The Turkish Shadow Puppets Show - Karagöz and Hacivat

Hacivat and Karagöz is a traditional shadow play, and is considered an indispensable source of entertainment for Turkish society. Based on imitation, conversation and funny dialogues; It is a shadow play in which depictions are animated by being projected onto a screen. Especially during Ramadan after iftar, people used to watch Karagöz and Hacivat performances. According to the narratives, Hacivat and Karagöz were actually two workers who worked during the construction of the great mosque in Bursa. While these two workers were constantly joking, the construction of the mosque was delayed and the sultan decided to punish them. 

Although there are many types of characters in the shadow play of Hacivat and Karagöz, the game always takes place between the two main types, Hacivat and Karagöz. Karagöz is an uneducated character. But he is courageous and brave. He is a man who represents the public. Hacivat, on the other hand, is an educated and cunning character. He speaks in a flowery language. Karagöz always misunderstands him. The jokes in the play are usually around these misunderstandings. Karagöz plays became an integral part of the Istanbul-based Ottoman culture. Elements of daily life in Istanbul can be observed through these plays. This art is listed in the UNESCO’s Representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.