Hayâlî

Hayâlî (also spelled Hayali) refers to a puppeteer specializing in the traditional Turkish shadow play known as Karagöz. The Hayâlî is the artist who manipulates the leather puppets behind a translucent screen, creating the characters and telling the story through voice acting, music, and sound effects. The term derives from the Arabic word khayal (خيال) meaning "imagination" or "shadow," reflecting the illusory nature of the performance.

The Hayâlî is more than just a puppeteer; they are a storyteller, voice actor, musician (often playing the tef or frame drum), and improvisational comedian all in one. They must possess a deep knowledge of Turkish folklore, history, and social commentary, as well as the ability to create a wide range of character voices and adapt the performance to the audience.

The Hayâlî traditionally crafts their own puppets from camel or donkey hide, carefully carving and painting each character. They are also responsible for maintaining the stage setup, which typically consists of a white cloth screen stretched across a frame, and a light source behind it.

Historically, the role of the Hayâlî was passed down through families or learned through apprenticeships. The tradition is recognized as a significant part of Turkish cultural heritage and is often supported through government initiatives and cultural organizations. While modern interpretations of Karagöz exist, traditional Hayâlî performances continue to be a vital part of Turkish artistic expression.