The Karagoz Museum Bursa, located on Çekirge Street in the Çekirge quarter of Osmangazi district, is a cultural gem housed in a former power distribution building. This transformation took place through the collaborative efforts of the Bursa Municipality and the Bursa Art and Culture Foundation, culminating in its opening on June 15, 1997. Named the “Karagöz House,” it pays homage to the nearby “Monument of Karagöz and Hacivat,” a cultural symbol of Bursa.

The Karagoz Museum Bursa features a theatre hall dedicated to the traditional Turkish shadow play, Karagöz and Hacivat. This captivating art form unfolds the contrasting interactions between the two main characters, Karagöz and Hacivat. Karagöz, representing the illiterate but witty public, contrasts sharply with Hacivat, who belongs to the educated class, speaking Ottoman Turkish with refined manners.

The museum encompasses a gallery showcasing Karagöz and Hacivat puppets, a specialized library, and a design workshop. The central theme of the shadow plays revolves around the humorous dynamic between the two characters, with Karagöz’s impulsive nature often clashing with Hacivat’s educated demeanor. The plays are not limited to the main characters, incorporating various ethnic personas living under Ottoman rule.

Particularly associated with Ramadan in Turkey, Karagöz and Hacivat plays have a rich history, with uncertain origins but dating back to at least the 16th century. Performances were initially linked to coffee houses, private residences, and even royal audiences. Each quarter of the city had its own rendition of Karagöz, and during Ramadan, the streets came alive with festivities, including these entertaining puppet shows.

Legend has it that the first Karagöz performance involved a commoner addressing the sultan through a puppet show, leading to the appointment of the puppeteer as Grand Vizier. Another tale suggests that the characters, Karagöz and Hacivat, were once real individuals working on a mosque in Bursa during the mid-14th century, immortalized as puppets for their entertaining antics.

Historically, Karagöz plays featured satirical and obscene elements, incorporating sexual references and political satire. However, as Ottoman authorities began suppressing such expressions, the plays underwent changes, with the most significant alterations occurring during the Tanzimat reforms in the 19th century. The founding of the Turkish Republic further influenced the evolution of Karagöz, leading to a transformation that rendered it nearly unrecognizable from its original form.

It’s worth noting that before the 20th century, many Karagöz performers were Jews, contributing actively to popular Ottoman art forms. The Karagöz Museum in Bursa serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of this traditional Turkish shadow play, preserving its history and cultural significance for present and future generations.