hikâye

Hikâye is a Turkish term that denotes a narrative or tale. It is borrowed from Arabic ḥikāyah (narration, tale) through Persian and Ottoman Turkish usage. In modern Turkish, hikâye can refer to a narrative, an anecdote, or an account of events, and it is often associated with traditional, didactic, or folkloric content. In everyday language, however, the more common word for a short fictional story is öykü, while hikâye retains a sense of formality or classical inheritance.

Historically, hikâye appeared in Ottoman literature as a broad label for various narrative genres, including legends, anecdotes, and hagiographic or moral tales. It could function within larger works or stand as a discrete piece, sometimes combining entertainment with instruction or religious and social messaging. The form and content of hikâye in classical periods often reflected the cultural, religious, and ethical milieu of its readers.

In contemporary Turkish usage, hikâye is still encountered in literary criticism, academic writing, and in the titles of works that aim to evoke a classical or ceremonial tone. It can also appear in journalism and public discourse as a synonym for a narrative report or a recounting of events. While the everyday mouth of Turkish tends to favor öykü for modern short fiction, hikâye remains a recognized term that signals historical depth and traditional storytelling conventions.