Hacıvar

Hacıvat (also sometimes spelled Hacivat or Haci İvaz) is one of the two main characters in the traditional Turkish shadow play, known as Karagöz ve Hacivat. He represents the educated, sophisticated, and somewhat pretentious Ottoman intellectual.

Hacıvat is characterized by his fluency in Ottoman Turkish, often laced with Arabic and Persian loanwords, and his penchant for using flowery language. He is usually depicted as a scholar or tradesman, possessing knowledge of various subjects, though his understanding is often superficial. He attempts to impart his knowledge and sophisticated worldview to Karagöz, but usually fails due to Karagöz's simple-mindedness and stubbornness.

Hacıvat's personality contrasts sharply with that of Karagöz. While Karagöz is crude, uneducated, and impulsive, Hacıvat is refined, erudite, and cautious. Their interactions form the basis of the play's humor, as Karagöz misinterprets Hacıvat's sophisticated language and challenges his pronouncements with his own blunt observations. Hacıvat’s attempts to educate or enlighten Karagöz often lead to misunderstandings and slapstick comedy.

The historical origins of Hacıvat are debated. Legend suggests that Hacıvat and Karagöz were real individuals who worked as construction workers during the building of a mosque in Bursa in the 14th century. Their witty banter and humorous interactions supposedly distracted the other workers, leading to delays in the construction. Ultimately, the Sultan ordered their execution, but they were immortalized through the shadow play. However, concrete historical evidence to support this story is lacking.

In the Karagöz ve Hacivat plays, Hacıvat is typically the one who introduces the play and sets the stage for the unfolding events. He is the first character to appear, chanting an introductory poem and summoning Karagöz to begin the performance. His character serves as a foil to Karagöz, highlighting the comedic absurdity of their interactions and the contrast between social classes and levels of education. Hacıvat is a crucial element of the traditional Turkish shadow play, representing a particular archetype of Ottoman society and contributing significantly to its enduring appeal.