Object and Puppets Theater

Seen as a sub-category of Puppet Theater, Object Theater doesn’t have a tradition in Turkey but Puppet Theater has an old tradition beginning from Ottoman Empire till today. When people mention Puppet Theater in Turkey most of the time they mean Karagöz and Hacivat Shadow Theater. Karagöz and Hacivat are the lead characters of a traditional Turkish shadow play, originating from the Ottoman period. The character Karagöz is illiterate but straightforward, but can also be deceitful and violent. The character Hacivat belongs to the educated class and speaks a poetical and literary language. The play, and a cast of colorful supporting characters, evolves around the interaction between Karagöz and Hacivat. Karagöz's wit always gets the better of Hacivat's learning, but he always fails to make money with his schemes. Before radio and film, it was the most popular forms of entertainment in Turkey. Throughout history Karagöz and Hacivat puppet theatre has been modernized by theater companies. Karagöz and Hacivat plays are associated with Ramadan, the time of year when the plays are performed most frequently. Karagöz and Hacivat plays are performed at religious festivals, social gatherings and theater venues.