@article{article_1710876, title={TOLSTOY IN TURKISH CINEMA: ADAPTATION AND INFLUENCE}, journal={World Language Studies}, volume={5}, pages={99–129}, year={2025}, author={Kuzucan, Tuna}, keywords={Tolstoy, Turkish Cinema, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Realism in Cinema}, abstract={This article examines the influence of Leo Tolstoy’s literary legacy on Turkish cinema through both direct adaptations and subtler thematic resonances. It focuses on several case studies – including the classic melodrama Dudaktan Kalbe and acclaimed art films such as Uzak (Distant), Mayıs Sıkıntısı (Clouds of May), and Küf (Mold) – to explore how Tolstoyan motifs of moral struggle, philosophical inquiry, and realistic storytelling have been transposed into Turkish film narratives. Drawing on adaptation theory and theories of transnational literary influence, the article places Tolstoy’s impact in the broader context of Turkish literature and culture, where Russian novels have long held a place of honor. The core argument, based on comparative literary and film analysis, is that Turkish filmmakers have not simply imitated Tolstoy’s works. Instead, they have interpreted and reinvented Tolstoyan themes to reflect local realities. The discussion highlights moral and philosophical parallels: the tension between ethical duty and personal desire, the contrast between rural and urban life, and the search for spiritual meaning. It also notes stylistic parallels in narrative realism and understatement. The article concludes that Tolstoy’s humanist spirit finds new life in Turkish cinema, demonstrating the enduring power of cross-cultural literary influence. The article also suggests directions for further research. These include examining Russian literary adaptations in other non-Western cinemas and analyzing how literary translators and critics mediate such cross-cultural artistic dialogues.}, number={Ölümünün 115. Yılında L.N. Tolstoy: Sınırları Aşan Bir Yazarın Evrensel Mirası}, publisher={Social Sciences University of Ankara}