Karagöz Monument
Karagöz Monument
Karagoz and Hacivat were brought into life in the 14th century by Sheikh Kushteri, as a shadow play shown on a screen, thus, these two names became famous as the two most important figures of shadow play. In 2009, “Karagoz”, born in Bursa centuries ago, and then spread worldwide, was declared Non-Material Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the UNESCO, as Turkish shadow play.
A monument was raised in memory of Karagoz, working in Bursa during the construction of Orhan Mosque.
At its rear side, there are plates with the names of Hacivat, Karagoz, and Sheikh Kushteri, written on them. These plates stand for the symbolic tombs of these three persons in this place. Some sources say that the tomb of Karagoz was located here, on an area, which formerly was a large graveyard. Karagoz’ tombstone, however, today, is located in the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art in Bursa’s Yeşil quarter. Besides this tombstone, the grave of Sheikh Kushteri, situated in the garden of the Muradiye Mausoleums, was transferred here in 1965.
Across the street, there is the “Karagoz Museum” where visitors may get information on shadow play history. Moreover, they can see the collections of different masters, attend special exhibitions, and watch Karagoz and Hacivat shadow play performances.
