The purpose of this study is to analyze the elements related to Akhism in the character of Nusret from the series Ekmek Teknesi using the representational methods of the Cultural Studies school. Nusret embodies many aspects of Islam, Sufism, and Akhism. The emphasis placed on his praying and fasting in the first episodes of the series is noteworthy. In this respect, he is one of the first characters in a scripted Turkish series to have a clear religious emphasis. In previous series, figures who prayed were usually portrayed as bigots. Pious and virtuous figures, on the other hand, have appeared in series not for their worship but as people who speak mystical and wise words. Nusret is one of the first scripted Turkish series characters to both worship and possess wisdom. This approach has set an example for subsequent series.
Nusret's sufi and artisan nature arouses curiosity about his connection to Akhism. He possesses many virtues mentioned in the futuwwa manuals and found in the Akhis, such as generosity, honesty, attention to quality standards, and compassion in apprentice training. In addition to these, the series makes more explicit references to Akhism through Nusret. A modern version of the apprentice acceptance ceremony in Akhism is performed in the series, and the story of the Akhism-derived expression “pabucu dama atılmak” (to throw one's shoes on the roof) is featured as a scene in the series. All of this provides an opportunity to interpret Nusret as a modern Akhi sheikh.
All of these elements will be examined using two methods defined by the Cultural Studies school. The first is the semiotic method inspired by Ferdinand de Saussure, and the second is discourse analysis based on Michel Foucault. When Nusret's character is examined using the first method, it becomes clear that he carries many elements of Akhism into his life. These are based on his attitudes and discourse rather than on his outward appearance, such as his clothing. Examples of this include Nusret's constant humility, his raising his voice only as a last resort, and his compassionate gaze. He also demonstrates his professional sensitivity through his behavior. He never throws the bread he takes from the oven too high, nor does he place it so low that it gets dusty. When Nusret's language is examined using discourse analysis, the aforementioned attitudes are seen to have been transformed into discourse. Significantly, he addresses even those who are hostile to him as “my child” and uses supportive language even when the other person pushes him to the limit, without showing the slightest sign of regret. Nusret also stands out with his discourse on professional sensitivity. The most important aspect of his profession to him is morality. His sensitivity is demonstrated by his not speaking out about his apprentice's violations regarding money-making, but by seriously warning him about his mistakes concerning morality.
Stuart Hall, one of the important figures of the Cultural Studies school, conceptualized the process from meaning to representation as representation systems. The first of the two systems establishes a connection between things and concept maps, while the second attempts to understand the process by which concepts and language interact. Looking at the character of Nusret through the first representation system, his process from things to concepts carries a sufi weight. For example, money is a means for him to support his family lawfully and to be generous. The priority of tradesmen should not be to make money, but to serve the public. These themes are also addressed in the futuwwa literature created by the Akhis. When the second representational system is considered, it becomes evident that Nusret reflects these concepts in a manner befitting his Sufi character. He conveys all the virtues mentioned through action rather than words.
Islamic History Sufism and Akhism Cultural Studies Semiotic Analysis Discourse Analysis Turkish Series
Bu çalışmanın amacı, Ekmek Teknesi dizisindeki Nusret karakterinin taşıdığı Ahîliğe dair değerleri, Kültürel Çalışmalar ekolünün temsil yöntemiyle analiz etmektir. Nusret İslâm’ın bir yorumu olan tasavvuf ve Ahîliğin birçok unsurunu üzerinde taşıyan bir karakterdir. Bu yönüyle, senaryolu bir Türk dizisinde dinî göstergelerin açıkça yer aldığı ilk kurgu karakterlerden olma özelliğine sahiptir. Bu unsurlar, Kültürel Çalışmalar ekolünce belirlenmiş iki yöntemle incelenecektir. İlki Ferdinand de Saussure’den hareketle geliştirilen göstergebilimsel yöntem, ikincisi ise Michel Foucault’un öncülüğünde oluşturulmuş söylem analizidir. Bu analizler aracılığıyla Nusret karakteri, modern bir Ahî şeyhi olarak okunmuştur. Bu karakter aracılığıyla icrâ edilen din temsili, günümüz senaryolu Türk dizilerine örneklik teşkil edebilecek özelliklere sahiptir.
İslam Tarihi Tasavvuf ve Ahîlik Kültürel Çalışmalar Göstergebilimsel Analiz Söylem Analizi Türk Dizisi
| Primary Language | Turkish |
|---|---|
| Subjects | Political and Civilization History of Islam, Religious Studies (Other) |
| Journal Section | Research Article |
| Authors | |
| Submission Date | December 12, 2025 |
| Acceptance Date | February 23, 2026 |
| Publication Date | March 28, 2026 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.33415/daad.1840905 |
| IZ | https://izlik.org/JA45WU83ML |
| Published in Issue | Year 2026 Volume: 26 Issue: 1 |