These are the names of two folk heroes of Turkish Shadow-Puppet Theater. The language they use, the way they look at life and the classes they represent are never the same. With these clashes and also a wide range of folk characters, they play out a rich social and political satire. Legends say that Karagoz & Hacivat were laborers who worked in the construction of the Ulucami in Bursa (1300 A.D ).

Karagoz & Hacivat

The Karagoz shadow-puppet plays have enjoyed great popularity for many years. With the emergence of technologically advanced visual entertainment Karagoz has become a sort of museum exhibit today, but still performed by some families in various cities in Turkey who are proud showing a turkish folk art. The INTERNATIONAL KARAGOZ SHADOW THEATRE FESTIVAL in BURSA can be a good example. In every december, people from different countries come together to help this theater survive.

If you wish to learn more, join one of the Karagoz & Hacivat Shows or participate in the International Karagoz Shadow Theatre Festival in Bursa; feel free to contact our office..