Karagöz and Hacivat

Karagöz and Hacivat are central characters in Turkish shadow puppetry, a traditional form of entertainment. Karagöz is the lively, humorous, and sometimes brash character, representing everyday people, while Hacivat is the more refined, witty, and cultured figure, often serving as a counterpart. Their playful dialogues and interactions satirize social norms, customs, and human nature, reflecting Turkish culture and history. This form of puppetry uses intricately carved leather puppets cast onto a backlit screen, creating shadow images for storytelling. The performances are both entertaining and a means of social commentary, celebrated as a vital part of Turkish cultural heritage.