Hikaye

Hikaye is a Turkish noun meaning a story or tale. In modern Turkish, it is commonly used to refer to a short narrative, usually shorter than a novel and focused on a limited set of events or characters. The term is used in everyday language as well as in literary contexts, and it is often contrasted with longer forms such as roman (novel) and with other terms for narrative such as öykü.

Etymology and usage notes: The word hikâye derives from Arabic ḥikāyah (narration or tale) and entered Turkish through Persian and Ottoman usage. The form hikâye (sometimes written with the circumflex as hikâye) reflects historical Turkish orthography indicating a lengthened vowel. In contemporary Turkish, hikâye and hikâye-i (historic) forms appear, while in many contexts the more common spelling is hikâye or hikaye.

Literary role: In Turkish literature, hikâye denotes a short narrative or short story and has been part of the tradition alongside longer forms such as the novel (roman) and the story collection (öykü). The late Ottoman and early Republican periods saw the rise of the modern Turkish short story as a vehicle for social observation and psychological insight. Notable writers associated with the short story tradition include Sait Faik Abasıyanık, Orhan Kemal, Sabahattin Ali, and Yusuf Atılgan, among others. The form continues in contemporary fiction, published in magazines, anthologies, and online platforms.

Characteristics and forms: Turkish hikâye often emphasizes everyday life, character psychology, and social observation. It can be realist, naturalist, or quietly experimental, and tends toward concise narrative craft, with a focus on a pivotal moment, a single incident, or a vignette that conveys a larger theme.