Melancholy as a Plot-Forming Concept in Orhan Pamuk’s Novels

This article analyses the concept of “melancholy” and “post-imperial melancholy” in Orhan Pamuk’s novels. An attempt is made to consider novelist’s work from point view postcolonial decolonial theories. The material analysis limited his novels A Strangeness My Mind (2016) Istanbul: Memories City (2012). crucial state characters and, consequently, object melancholy, which, on one hand, can be interpreted as nostalgia for former greatness Ottoman Empire other an example “aestheticised nostalgia” a technique aestheticism. also focuses own position cultural trickster, balancing between East West find balance. author examines images “bouza” “dog” symbols dichotomy “Eastern man” vs “European man”. On characters, like Pamuk himself, associate themselves with European man, broadcasting “Orientalist” backward space, they are representatives Oriental culture mentality, guardians Turkish traditions history their city. makes it clear that melancholy protagonists primarily related personal past childhood memories. It author’s return order integrity, discover origins self-identity, overcome inner “coloniser”. Thus, inextricably linked pride beauty.