The Impact of the Turkish Culture on Kateb Yacine’s La poudre d’intelligence, The Intelligence Powder (1959)

Öz

Kateb Yacine’s theater is a product of the complex interplay
between many literary traditions. While previous critical studies
have focused on the impact of Berber, Arab, and French
cultures, the influence of Ottoman culture in his theater remains
totally neglected. This analysis aims to explore the presence of
Turkish cultural elements within the play, which fills an
important gap in scholarly research. A comprehensive textual
analysis of Kateb Yacine’s play, The Intelligence Powder (1959),
uncovers cultural interaction at multiple levels, encompassing the
play’s characters and themes. While earlier sources do not
directly discuss the playwright’s fascination with Ottoman
culture and drama, this study of the play aims to examine the
diverse influences that have contributed to its integration into
the narrative. Through an exploration of these factors, the
analysis seeks to reveal the importance of this cultural infusion
and its possible impact on revitalizing Kateb Yacine’s selected
dramatic work.