Cüceler

Cüceler is the Turkish plural form of cüce, a term historically used to refer to beings of short stature. In folklore and fairy tales, cüceler are depicted as dwarf-like beings who may inhabit mountains, caves, or underground realms. They are often associated with craftsmanship, mining, and magical knowledge, and their stories portray them as helpers, guardians, or tricksters. The concept of cüceler has parallels with dwarfs in many cultures, though Turkish tales give them distinctive settings and motifs.

Etymology and usage of the term reflect its long-standing place in Turkish language and literature. The root cüce carries meanings related to smallness or diminutiveness, and cüceler denotes multiple such beings. In modern usage, cüce can also refer to a person with dwarfism; however, this usage is frequently considered outdated or potentially insulting in everyday language. In respectful discourse, more neutral descriptors are preferred when referring to people, and the mythic sense of cüceler is generally treated as folklore or literary tradition rather than contemporary identity.

In contemporary Turkish culture, cüceler appear primarily in folklore collections, children's literature, and fantasy genres. They function as a narrative device to explore themes of resourcefulness, humility, and cultural imagination. The term remains a part of linguistic and literary history, even as modern usage shifts toward more precise and respectful language regarding real-world conditions and identities.