The Possibilities of Ottoman Fiction: What Do We Know of Yaḥyā Çelebi, Evḥad Çelebi and Meymūne?

Abstract

This article explores the different versions and translations of a story, and examines how its main characters change and transform across each version and translation. To this end, it analyzes two different variants of the version known as the Evḥad Çelebi story and the Yaḥyā Çelebi story, and two of the latter’s French translations. The article first provides detailed summaries of the Yaḥyā and Evḥad Çelebi stories and then, for comparative purposes, illustrates how these narratives reflect the use of time and space in early modern Istanbul. It then discusses how the characters of Yaḥyā Çelebi and Evḥad Çelebi are portrayed in each version. Yaḥyā Çelebi often experiences feelings of shame and astonishment; he is an indecisive character who opens his inner self to the reader. In contrast, in Evḥad Çelebi, hesitation gives way to reliance on God. Evḥad Çelebi, who seeks refuge in God under all circumstances, has no difficulty making decisions and does not exhibit hesitation or shame. Variations in the representation of female characters across versions are also noteworthy. The nameless slave girl in the Evḥad Çelebi story becomes Meymūne in the Yaḥyā Çelebi story. One version of Evḥad Çelebi places the slave girl at the center of the story’s moral, while the French translation of Yaḥyā Çelebi reimagines Meymūne as a central character who takes action and can even commit murder if necessary. In parallel with these changes, the mother of Evḥad/Yaḥyā Çelebi also emerges with differing characteristics in versions. This close reading, focusing on character portrayal, concludes with a reference to Evḥad Çelebi as a historical figure who lived in 16th-century Istanbul. In conclusion, this study, which compares character representations in different versions and translations of the Yaḥyā and Evḥad Çelebi stories, highlights the manifestations of agency and gender relations that become visible through comparative reading.