TREE OF LİFE IMAGERY İN BEDRİ RAHMİ EYÜBOĞLU’S ART İN THE CONTEXT OF SYMBOLS AND MEANİNGS

Abstract

Throughout history, symbols have been used by various civilizations as tools of communication for different purposes. From the earliest civilizations to the present day, symbols have played roles in numerous domains such as war, religion, art, communication, and expressions of identity tamgas. In Turkish culture, symbols also hold great significance. Elements such as tribal tamgas, religious symbols, and representations of plants and animals are considered parts of the cultural heritage that reflect the lifestyle, beliefs, and values of the Turkish people. In this respect, symbols can be regarded as an integral component of Turkish cultural identity.

The cultural continuity of societies relies heavily on the transmission of cultural heritage across generations, making artists crucial figures in this process. By serving as a bridge between the past and the future, artists contribute to the preservation and perpetuation of culture. In this context, Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu holds significant cultural and artistic importance, as he integrates folkloric elements of Turkish art into the present through a modern perspective.

This study examines how symbols have been addressed by Turkish artists and explores the cultural and artistic dimensions of the Tree of Life motif in the works of Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu, within a framework that traces the journey of civilization from the local to the universal. Through the symbol of the Tree of Life, the study evaluates the depth of Turkish culture as reflected in Eyüboğlu’s works, and the relationship of this motif to contemporary art.