Threatening the life of mankind as a predator reptile in its habitual regions caused
crocodiles to be a symbol of power in belief systems since Ancient Egypt. Ottomans were
very interested in this exotic animal, which they met after the conquest of Egypt, and
although it was foreign to the climate of central authority, they adopted it both with its
own existence and the images it reminded within the aspects they could associate with. As
it was the peak of wonder itself at the begining, crocodiles were later brought to Istanbul
to be exhibited, and with the images they inspired, they became motifs in many facts and
fictions such as remedies for sufferings, inspiration for ships, marks for chocolates and
finally, the leading actor of a mystery mummy fiction. This study aims to following the
traces of the wondrous mysteries evoked by crocodiles within the context of their effects
to Ottoman cultural life, still present today.
Primary Language | Turkish |
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Journal Section | Researches and Studies |
Authors | |
Publication Date | June 26, 2019 |
Acceptance Date | March 19, 2019 |
Published in Issue | Year 2019 |