Memduh Shevket ESENDAL (1883-1952) – „Thanksgiving Flower“

Abstract

One of important writers of Turkish literature Memduh Sevket Esendal was born in 1883 in Corlu. At a young age he become a member of the Committee of Union. In this society, Esendal held important positions. He joined the National war that started in
Anatolia. In 1921 Ankara Government sent Memduh to Baku Embassy, where he did very important work there. Sevket also worked in Tehran and Kabul embassies. On his return, he worked as a teacher in Istanbul high schools. After that, politics took place into Esendals life. He was deputy of Elazig and Belecik.

In 1945 Memduh withdrew from political life and literature took place instead. His stories were published in newspapers and
magazines. The most important features of his works are smooth, clean Turkish and simple writing style. Following in the footsteps of his friend Omer Seyfetin. Esendal died in 1952 in Ankara.

Some of his famous works are stories: „Thanksgiving Flower“, „Under a handkerchief“, „Veysel Sergeant“, „Grasshopper“, „Our
Nesibe“ and a novel „Ayasli and its tenants“.