The effects of Mevlana's philosophy on aesthetics and art: innovative interpretations inspired by the past

Abstract

In this research, the relationship between Mevlana’s philosophy and art is analysed through the works of artists who have works on Mevlana’s philosophy. In this context, artists such as Rembrant, İbrahim Çallı, Gülsün Erbil, Refik Anadol and Irine Kasrashvili were used as samples. The study aims to investigate how both traditional and modern art is shaped around the themes of Mevlana’s philosophy and Sufism. The research is designed as a qualitative case study. By examining the selected works of the artists, the change in aesthetic understanding, cultural and artistic interactions were analysed through content and document analysis. How the transition between traditional and modern art is shaped in the context of Sufism and Mevlevi aesthetics is evaluated. In this context, the research aims to reveal the change and continuity of art from past to present by examining the effects of Mevlevi thought on art and how artists interpret this thought. The works created by artists inspired by Mevlana’s philosophy have added new perspectives to social and individual perceptions in different periods. It has been observed that current designs contain similar themes and figures with the past, but changes in style have occurred. Technology was also used in current works, and works were blended with contemporary interpretations as well as classical expressions. In addition, the results of the research show that the artworks within the scope of the research from past to present have mostly dealt with ‘whirling dervish’ figures with ‘high colourism’ through the concept of ‘whirling dervish’. The stylistic features used by the artists have changed depending on the original attitude of the art. This situation is seen as a promising situation for the future of art.

Keywords

• Aesthetics
• Embrant
• Gülsün Erbil
• Irine Kasrashvili
• İbrahim Çallı
• Mevlana’s philosophy
• Refik Anadol
• The art of painting

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