Türkische Märchen by Friedrich Giese
Read "Türkische Märchen by Friedrich Giese" Online
This book is available in the public domain. Start reading the digital edition below.
START READING FULL BOOKBook Preview
A short preview of the book’s content is shown below to give you an idea of its style and themes.
Published in 1925, this book is a collection of Turkish folktales gathered and translated by Friedrich Giese, a German linguist. He didn't invent these stories; he listened. Traveling and researching in a time of great change, he wrote down tales that were part of an oral tradition, preserving them on paper before they could vanish.
The Story
There's no single plot. Instead, you get a whole world in one book. You'll meet the classic trickster figure Keloğlan, a bald boy who outsmarts everyone with his wit. There are magical objects, talking animals, sultans with impossible tasks, and brave youths seeking their fortune. The stories follow familiar fairy-tale patterns—quests, tests of character, and good triumphing over cunning—but they're dressed in the vibrant colors and specific wisdom of Turkish culture.
Why You Should Read It
This book is a quiet surprise. The tales are short, often funny or clever, and perfect for reading one or two at a time. But the real value for me was the context. Knowing these stories were saved from oblivion gives them extra weight. You're not just reading about a magic ring; you're touching a piece of living history that a scholar thought was important enough to save. It connects you to a storytelling chain that goes back generations.
Final Verdict
Perfect for fairy-tale enthusiasts who want to look beyond the European canon, or for anyone curious about cultural preservation. It's also great for readers who enjoy short, digestible stories with moral lessons. If you love the idea of folklore as a time capsule, this collection is a direct line to the past. Just remember, it's a translation from a century ago, so the language has a charming, classic feel rather than a modern one.
You are viewing a work that belongs to the global public domain. Knowledge should be free and accessible.
Susan Brown
1 year agoAmazing book.
Elizabeth Hernandez
5 months agoThanks for the recommendation.
Christopher Flores
1 year agoI stumbled upon this title and it provides a comprehensive overview perfect for everyone. Thanks for sharing this review.
John Davis
8 months agoJust what I was looking for.
Lucas Taylor
1 year agoComprehensive and well-researched.