Experience through translation — the translated experience: The Turkish presence in Slovene literature and translation

The Slovene understanding of Turkish culture is essentially created through indirect, translated contact. It was first expressed through traditional Slovene folk songs and stories, depicting the Ottoman Empire either as a threat or as a land of sensuality and opulence.

During the time of Yugoslavia, perceptions of “the Turks” were influenced by the translated works of Bosnian authors, promoted by official policies aimed at creating “brotherhood and unity” among the Yugoslav peoples.

Finally, the post-socialist Slovene understanding of Turkish culture, despite a heightened interest, has again been indirect: formed through indirect translations of contemporary Turkish authors. The lack of literary translators and their deteriorating status in the Slovene translatorial field do not promise any significant change in the future.