From Tale to Transformation: Modern Storytelling as Spiritual Therapy in Türkiye
摘要
Storytelling is an artistic trend that has become increasingly widespread in Türkiye since the turn of the millennium. This art form, performed for both children and adults, has become an integral part of educational processes, even entering the curricula of the Ministry of National Education. Storytelling, whether aimed at adults or children, has evolved into a professional stage performance that resembles a ritual, enhanced by elements such as music, sound, scent, costume, and other sensory tools. One factor that facilitates this transformation is the cultural harmony found in Anatolian lands, shaped by the coexistence of different religions and sects. This harmonious structure enables the refined motifs of past beliefs and myths to be easily integrated into these ritualistic performances. Perhaps the most significant reason why classical tales—stories that guide processes of wisdom, maturation, and the search for meaning—have been reinterpreted, embraced, and popularized as interactive art in the modern age is their healing potential. These tales offer a way to make sense of life, and, by participating in collective rituals, individuals experience a sense of well-being. Storytelling, which has rapidly expanded by incorporating elements from various religions, sects, and cultural traditions, now resembles an industry—one that reflects a kind of New Age quest for meaning and shows signs of increasing supply and demand. This chapter analyzes the storybooks and interviews of Nazlı Çevik Azazi and Judith Malika Liberman—two pioneering storytellers in Türkiye—who are known for developing perspectives on making sense of life through tales and for positioning themselves as guides for their readers. This study examines how these authors incorporate various religious references into their texts and how they present themselves to their audiences. It is argued that the concepts of inner security, healing, and spiritual experience, as promised in their works, align with New Age spiritual quests. This study seeks to determine whether such alignment can be interpreted as a form of modern religious searching.