Graduating from Ankara University’s Faculty of Languages, History, and Geography, Department of Turkish Language and Literature, in 1968, Prof. Dr. Umay Türkeş Günay began her academic career at Atatürk University with her doctoral thesis titled 'The Folktales of Elazığ.' She later earned the title of Associate Professor in 1980 at Hacettepe University with her thesis titled 'The Minstrel Tradition and the Dream Motif.' In 1987, she was appointed as a Professor of Turkish Literature at Gazi University, where she made groundbreaking contributions to Turkish literature and culture on both national and international levels.
Throughout her academic journey, Prof. Dr. Umay Türkeş Günay supervised numerous master's and doctoral theses and represented Turkish culture in the international academic community as a visiting professor at SOAS, University of London. She has participated in scientific events held across five continents, sharing the unique examples of Turkish folklore and literature with the world, significantly contributing to the international recognition of Turkey’s cultural heritage. With five published books and over 400 articles, presentations, reviews, essays, and translations, she has enriched the literature on literature, folklore, and cultural studies.
This prestigious event, organized by the Department of Turkish Folklore at Hacettepe University, Hacettepe University Turkish Folklore Society and Hacettepe University Traditional Music Culture Research and Application Center (HÜGEM) will delve into the historical development of the discipline of folklore, the contributions of universities to this field, and the role of folklore in preserving Turkey's cultural memory.
We would be honored to have you join us at this valuable conference, which leads the way in the worlds of science and culture.