Gender Images of the Sphinx Figure in Turkish Art in Light of Archaeological Data Arkeolojik Veriler Işığında Türk Sanatında Sfenks Figürünün Cinsiyet İmgeleri
Art-Sanat Dergisi, sa.26, ss.1-24, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus, TRDizin)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.26650/artsanat.2026.26.0002
- Dergi Adı: Art-Sanat Dergisi
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-24
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Figurative Art, Gender, Iconography, Sphinx, Turkish Art
- Atatürk Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Symbolic figures and motifs that reflect national and cultural memory are among the fundamental components of intangible cultural heritage. Among these figures, the sphinx stands out as a mythological creature distinguished by its appearance dating back to ancient times and its mystical meanings. It has appeared in the arts of various civilizations and cultures across a vast geography extending from Anatolia to Mesopotamia, exhibiting diverse types and gender characteristics. Although numerous studies have examined the stylistic features, gender, and symbolic meanings of the sphinx in these societies, no gender-focused study has been identified concerning its adoption and use by the Scythians and subsequent Turkic states. The sphinx figures analyzed in this study were selected from examples containing iconographic elements that allow for the interpretation of gender. The sphinx in Turkish art was examined through its gender characteristics, physical attributes, mythological context, and connections with related disciplines. During the analysis, the figures were evaluated not only in terms of their anatomical structures but also about elements such as headdresses, garments, and ornaments. Thus, both formal and symbolic indicators were considered in determining the gender of the figure. Based on the evaluation of all available data, it has been concluded that the sphinx figure employed in Turkish art may be interpreted as female.