SOCIAL MENTALITY AND RESEARCHER THINKERS JOURNAL (SMART JOURNAL), Year 2024 Issue Cilt 10 Sayı 3

Reflections of Twelve Animal Zodiac Calendar As An Artistic Inspiration For Ceramic Teapots

Fidan Tonza Helvacıkara — 2026-07-16

In historical contexts, it is known that various calendars were used alongside different calculation methods. In Far Eastern Asian cultures, common calendars were used where various animals were distributed according to years, each animal carrying different meanings. In these cultures, calendars featuring “twelve animal figures” show similarities in the names of animals and their orderings. Referring to all these calendars, astrologers attempt to predict future events based on the animal representing the year. It is believed that the Zodiac system consisting of twelve constellations is also associated with a year consisting of twelve months. Although its source is not clearly known, the Twelve Animal Zodiac Calendar used in Chinese society includes animal names in the following order: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

Depictions of zodiac signs and constellations have been found in art since ancient times. Through contemporary art practices of today, this study is based on the theme that has found its place in contemporary art practices, primarily focusing on what the Twelve Animal Calendar signifies and its artistic reflections. In this study examining the origins and characteristics of the twelve animal signs in ancient Chinese tradition, animal metaphors used to characterize people based on their birth dates in China have been explored. An example of an artistic project themed around the Twelve Animal Calendar, compiled from works of artists from different countries, has also been evaluated within this framework. The artistic reflections of the “Twelve Animal Calendar,” which is still important in modern times, have been explained through examples of ceramic teapot exhibitions held in China between 2008 and 2019. Ceramic teapot exhibitions organized within the framework of the “Twelve Animal Calendar” covering 12 years have been evaluated among participating artists.

The Effect of Macroeconomic Factors Affecting Housing Demand On Housing Sales In Turkey: Time Series Analysis

Gülsüm Şanal Furkan İlker Akın — 2026-07-16

Housing has become an indispensable element in human life. The concept of 'housing,' a fundamental component of the basic need for shelter, has evolved from being a term solely related to the need for shelter to also serving as an indicator reflecting the social and economic status of individuals, coinciding with the transition to the information age driven by technological and communicative advancements. It has transformed into a core place where individuals can engage in cultural activities and feel secure. That's why caves, which were originally used only for shelter and protection in prehistoric times, have become a legally protected cultural heritage for modern, contemporary humans. With advancing technology, the quantity of offered housing has shown a rapid increase, and as a result, the housing sector has become one of the cornerstone sectors determining the Turkish economy. In this context, it is crucial to accurately determine housing supply and demand, and stakeholders in the housing sector need to conduct thorough financial analyses during this process. This study will delve into the factors influencing housing demand. The dataset used in this study covers the period from 2007 to 2023. The selection of these time intervals is particularly influenced by the Mortgage Crisis that occurred in 2007, which had a significant impact on the entire world. The analysis of this study will be conducted using the econometric analysis program Gretel Lab Cloud Student Version.

The Psychological Characteristics Of Hypocrites As Presented In The Holy Qur’an

Amine Ağan — 2026-07-16

The phenomenon of hypocrisy has become widespread since the time of our Prophet (pbuh) and continues until today. Hypocrites took their place in the ranks of believers and even infiltrated their ranks. Since faith is a matter of the heart. It has been difficult for believers to distinguish them from each other and perhaps their existence has never occurred to them. Such a group arises from the purity of their secrets and their good views towards Muslims. The verses revealed against the hypocrites and the hadiths mentioned about them were sufficient to shed light on their character and actions due to their difference and difference from the believers, and since faith is reflected in words and actions, hypocrisy also had its effects. Hypocrisy is classified in the Holy Quran and described as a heart disease. Verses and hadiths explain all the characteristics of hypocrites as an understanding for us to keep people away from characteristics that negate faith. The Holy Quran fully describes their characteristics and, starting from the second surah until approximately the end, explains their actions and deeds that are hostile to the people of faith, defamatory of them, and harmful to them. Since the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh) came as an explanation of their psychological characteristics and moral behavior, and the Holy Quran was revealed as an astrologer and was divided into twenty-three years, it explained their characteristics in various ways. After the call of Islam strengthened the strength of the Muslims, many people embraced Islam to save their blood, but the claws of ignorance remained on their chests and settled in their minds, and this made them believe in the Prophet Muhammad. Even though they were under the banner of Islam, the gap between them and the believers was very wide and the difference between them was very large. This was clearly seen in their many hostile behaviors towards the believers in times of war and peace. Hating showing faith and hiding unbelief, inventing and spreading unfounded rumors about believers, rejoicing in the calamities that befall believers, loving the spread of indecency among them, avoiding jihad in the way of Allah, hating spending in the way of Allah. , faith and other psychological characteristics that are clearly hostile to faith. The subject of this article is to clarify the linguistic and terminological meaning of hypocrisy and to explain the psychological and social characteristics of hypocrites mentioned in the Book of Allah and the Sunnah. He stated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) commanded us to beware of them, to avoid their habits and morals that are contrary to faith and Islam, and also explained the danger of hypocrites. It is explained how hypocrites can be identified according to their characteristics at individual and national levels, and how hypocrites can be distinguished from believers by examining their morality, character and actions, and by investigating their psychological existence with a systematic approach. Descriptive analytical inductive

Dıgıtal Space Fıctıons That Guıde Art Under The Influence Of The Dıgıtal World

Ramazan İlgaz Menduha Satır Kayserili — 2026-07-16

The possibilities offered by technology are expanding the boundaries of art every day. Drawing on both traditional and contemporary artistic accumulations, new artworks are emerging in electronic media through different perspectives and innovative techniques. The field represented by these works is called digital art. In this field, artists produce works in electronic media using different perspectives and original interpretations. Considering the objective existence of the artwork, it emerges that there must be a space in which to position it or the art object must be constructed in a space. As the area where the artist materializes their idea and meets with the audience, the use and functionality of space have been transformed over time by changing perceptions of reality and evolving technology. Digital spatial constructs come into play at this point, eliminating the spatial boundaries of art. Artworks can now exist and interact with the audience in virtual environments. Thanks to technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality, artists can now create entirely new artistic worlds beyond the limits of space. Artworks can exist and interact with the audience through virtual environments without being tied to a physical space. The concept of digital space has become an area where such works are widely exhibited. Through the possibilities offered by technology, new experiences can be created in digital spaces and contribute to our experience of spaces. In this context, the definition of space, its role in the process of creating artwork, and the changes in space through technological developments in this process have been examined. In the field of digital art, the effects and causality of digital space on the formation process of artwork have been emphasized. Understanding how space changes with technology in art history and the creative processes that digital space offers to the artist constitute the fundamental objectives of the study.

A View of Angels in the Context of Verse 30 of Surah Al-Baqara According to Maturidi

Buket Ataman — 2026-07-16

Belief in angels constitutes one of the fundamentals of faith in Islam. It is not possible to perceive these spiritual beings, whose existence is mentioned in the Quran and which are the subject of faith in the unseen, with the senses or comprehend their nature with the mind. These beings, about whom we can only have information through transfer and who have different ontological characteristics than humans, have different types and different areas of responsibility. Angels, who are busy with different duties, also have important duties in conveying divine messages between God and people. In the article, firstly, the analysis and meanings of the concept of angel are expressed. Then, information was given about the types and duties of angels. Do these beings, who have a different creation, commit sins or not? The answer to the question is discussed in the context of 30 verses of Surah Baqara, according to Maturidi's work Te'vîlâtü'l Qur'an. Differences of opinion on the subject have been tried to be revealed by making use of Mâtürîdî's Te'vîlât. In the story of Adam (peace be upon him) mentioned in the Surah Baqara, did the angels' disobeying of Allah's commands actually occur? Or, it has been tried to explain what is the background of Allah's saying to the angels that he will create a caliph on earth, and the angels responding by asking, "Are you going to create someone who will create mischief and shed blood there?" Are the attitudes of angels towards God literally within the scope of sin? Is it Zelle? Is it obedience? The issue was tried to be resolved by giving information about the opinions of some scholars and the attitudes of the angels about the event, in the context of the method followed by Māturīdī regarding his questions.

The Theories to Explain Migration From Ancient Times to The Present Day

Yılmaz Daşlı Nihat Harmandaoğlu — 2026-07-16

The phenomenon of migration, which emerged with the beginning of humanity, has individual, familial, environmental, climatic, economic, political and social reasons. These reasons and their impact levels can be multiplied according to the fields of study. Studies have been conducted in this field, especially after the industrial revolution. The current study aims to present the theories aimed at understanding migration and the migration realized with the presence of "human beings" from an analytical point of view. The theories are presented in a tabular form and presented historically and qualitatively under the headings of early period, economic-based, historical-structuralist and sociocultural. It is not possible to provide a single overarching theory on the definition, cause, characteristics and impact of migration whose subject is human beings. It is believed that theories with high acceptability and as far away from criticism as possible can be created with the increase in the scope and diversity of studies aimed at understanding the nature and movements of human beings, who play the leading role in variability.

Examining The Extended Performance Techniques Applied According To The Bow Usage Area On The Double Bass Through Rebecca Saunders’ Fury

H. Özgür Akkor Koray Sazlı — 2026-07-16

Timbre is the distinctive aural quality of sound, independent of pitch or volume. From the second half of the 20th Century to the present when the double bass repertoire is analysed, it is seen that extended performance techniques are frequently used to obtain different timbres on the double bass, as in other instruments and the number of works containing these techniques has increased. In this study; it was aimed to reveal the aural qualities and performance applications of extended performance techniques applied according to the area of use of the bow and to analyse the use of these techniques in the solo double bass piece "Fury" published by the British composer Rebecca Saunders (1967) in 2005 and to analyse the reflections of these techniques on the composition. Through an interview with the composer, the composer's knowledge, experience and opinions about the use of extended performance techniques on double bass and the place of these techniques in the composer's understanding of composition were revealed. The data obtained in the study were presented through description, one of the qualitative research methods. In the piece, the composer used "Sul Tasto", "Sul Ponticello", "Sub Ponticello" and "Flautando" techniques, which are among the extended performance techniques applied according to the region of bow usage, and detailed these techniques with additional explanations. In order to be able to capture and express the richness of timbre obtained with these techniques used by the composer, it is seen that the double bass player needs to make an intensive and detailed technical study. By determining and explaining how and in what way the composer used the extended performance techniques, double bass players will be able to have more detailed information about these techniques.

Geometrical Symbolism in Calligraphy

Saime Bilge Karaöz Ayşe Sevra Pehlivan — 2026-07-16

The thought system of Islamic arts has developed within the framework of the belief in monotheism. The influence of this system of thought on art has been through abstraction and symbolism studies that investigate the truth behind the material, and it has often benefited from geometry, which has a wide range of uses. The relationship between calligraphy and geometric symbolism was examined on 36 works of 15 calligraphers who worked in the 19th and 20th centuries with celî sülüs and geometric forms. By considering the symbolic meanings of squares, rectangles, triangles and circles, the relationship between the meaning of the texts in the calligraphy works and the symbolic meanings of the forms they are stacked with has been investigated. When the geometric forms and meaning contents of the line stacks were examined, it was seen that the most circular stacks were studied and the least were square stacks. In circular line stacks, it can be said that the symbolic meaning of the circle is related to the content of the text; It can be said that they coincide with the symbolic meanings of heaven, one god, perfection, divine-sacred principle, era, sun, eternity and the realm of becoming-creation. In the texts of the calligraphy works, which are related to the symbolic meanings of the rectangle, square and triangle, it is stated that the square is human, the Kaaba; that the rectangle represents religion, knowledge, justice and truth; It can be stated that the triangle is formed in the sense of the connection between love and human beings and consciousness. As a result, when studying and creating hoards of calligraphy, it can be considered in conjunction with geometric symbolism.

Investigation of Recreational Leadership Behaviors of Students of Faculty of Sport Sciences

Mahmut ÖzdinçMurat Çimen ,Gül Bahar Bayıroğlu — 2026-07-16

The aim of this study was to examine the levels of recreational leadership behavior among students in sports science faculties and to analyze these behaviors in relation to various demographic variables. The research was conducted in quantitative research method and relational survey model. The research was conducted on 294 (F=140, M=145) volunteer student participants studying at Süleyman Demirel University, Faculty of Sports Sciences. Personal Information Form and Recreational Leadership Behavior Scale were used to collect data. In the analysis of the data, descriptive analysis, Mann Whitney-U Test and Kruskal Wallis-H Test were used to analyze the data because the data was not normally distributed. As a result of the research, it was seen that the recreational leadership behaviors of sports sciences faculty students were high. In addition, although there is no statistically significant difference between the recreational leadership behaviors of these students according to my variables of gender, age, department, and sport type; It was observed that there was a statistically significant difference according to the variables of participation in recreational activities, grade point average (GPA) and grade level. As a result, it was seen that increasing grade level, GPA and participating in recreational activities increased recreational leadership behaviors. As a result, it has been observed that students' high GPA and participation in recreational activities increase their democratic leadership behavior.

Reflections of the Digital Age: The Taxation Challenge of Electronic Commerce

Cengiz Bişgin Aysun Çelik — 2026-07-16

The continuous advancement of information and communication technologies enables a multitude of transactions to be conducted in electronic environments today. This situation, in conjunction with the effects of globalization, has diminished the impact of national borders on economic transactions and has facilitated consumers' ability to make purchases on an international scale. Particularly, the increase in the volume of electronic commerce between different countries has further highlighted the economic significance of e-commerce. However, the rapid growth of e-commerce, while bringing innovations to various sectors, also presents significant challenges in terms of taxation processes. The swift global expansion of e-commerce has created serious issues and difficulties for national and international taxation mechanisms. This article thoroughly examines the taxation-related problems encountered in the context of e-commerce and develops potential solutions to these issues.

Foreign Students in General Music Education in Turkey

Melike Mehpare HekimBilgen Özcan Coşkunsoy — 2026-07-16

Due to its strategic location, Turkey has become a popular migration center, especially for citizens of neighboring countries. Turkey, which hosts a dense foreign national population with the migration wave experienced since 2011, is making efforts to ensure the effective participation and integration of foreign students of educational age in the education system. While the studies for foreign students in Turkey are usually concentrated in the context of language-communication and social harmony, there is very little in the field of music education. The aim of this study is to determine the status of foreign students in general music education, which is one of the most important elements of compulsory education, the place and importance of general music education for these students. As a result, it is necessary for these students to benefit from music education effectively, without ignoring that foreign students are also in our education system along with other students.

Spatial Analysis of Ankara High Speed Train Station within the Framework of Intermodel Passenger Transportation

Emine YAVUZ PAKİH — 2026-07-16

Intermodal system, which is called mixed mode and has been frequently used in the field of logistics for many years, has recently started to come to the fore in passenger transportation. The intermodal system, which is also a sustainable approach, aims to minimize traffic congestion and environmental pollution in big cities by directing public transportation. As intermodal passenger transportation develops, the design of transfer centers has also started to come to the fore and is planned to both provide transition between transportation networks and serve the passengers. Transfer centers, which differ depending on the transportation network used and the audience they serve, can be named as bus terminals, metro stations, airports and station buildings. Within the scope of the study, Ankara High Speed Train Station was considered as a station building. In the study, first of all, a literature review was made, and then the current plans and functions of the station building were tabulated by performing a spatial analysis. The spatial functions of the building and its location in the city were evaluated in the light of the criteria determined in the design of 21st century intermodal station buildings. The aim of the study is to provide an infrastructure for the design of existing or reconstructed station buildings in our country.

Expressionism Art Movement in The Context of Kant's Aesthetics and An Analysis of Munch's “The Scream”

Nazan Düz Kardelen Özdemir — 2026-07-16

Immanuel Kant, a prominent figure of the Age of Enlightenment, made significant contributions to German philosophy. He proposed important theories in the fields of epistemology, ethics, metaphysics, and aesthetics, which encompass the philosophy of art and explore the concept of beauty. The concepts of beauty and sublimity became significant in the field of aesthetics due to the emphasis placed by the thinker on the sense of beauty, art, and the essence of beauty. Kant's concept of beauty is characterized by its emphasis on form, but the sublime is linked to the pleasure derived from the admiration evoked by emotions like amazement and fear, which arise when one is unable to comprehend. According to the thinker, the aesthetic value and grandeur of items might differ based on the aesthetic perception and judgments of the audience towards the object. Kant argued that a work of art is directed towards a purpose, and a work of art that is directed towards a purpose is regarded as beautiful. Kant's concept of beauty is form, and his concept of sublimity is emotion. Expressionism, an art movement that prioritizes form and emotions, has significantly influenced the contemporary art world. Expressionism shares common ground with Kant's notions of beauty and sublimity, as it is a movement that combines intellectual and emotional elements and introduces novel approaches to artistic form. The descriptive research model, one of the qualitative research techniques, was used in the study. The data were collected through a written and visual literature review and analyzed using the content analysis technique. The present study aimed to analyze the Expressionism art movement in the context of Kant's aesthetic theory and to make a formal analysis of Munch's painting “The Scream” through Kant's concepts of beauty and sublimity.

Sculpture and Urban Ecology Exploring New Perspectives in Public Space

Ramazan Tilki Ali Seylan — 2026-07-16

Contemporary urban understanding is being approached in conjunction with the concept of new urban ecology, emphasizing the promotion of a sustainable way of life in general. These approaches are shaped around the integration of elements such as the conservation of natural resources and environmental balance with the concept of new urban ecology. Simultaneously, within the focus of urban transformation and environmental issues, new urban ecology is also addressed through artworks that draw attention to social awareness. In this context, sculpture, which carries a strong potential to create awareness about the sustainability of urban life, is an important art form that contributes to the aesthetics and cultural texture of the city from past to present. The role of sculpture in public space holds significant collaborations within the context of new urban ecology. From this perspective, the concept of new urban ecology is seen as one of the important approaches that will provide new perspectives to sculpture art. In addition to the importance of ecological cities in terms of sustainability, environmental awareness, and the functionality of public spaces, the historical development of sculpture art and its place in public space are also crucial. It can be observed how sculpture art has undergone change and transformation over time in public space, and it holds the potential for social awareness and environmental consciousness. Evaluations are made regarding the role sculpture art can play in today's social, cultural, and environmental context, and the concept of new urban ecology seems to be one of the important approaches that will provide new perspectives to sculpture art.

Reflection of Adana Region Mosaics on the Products in Adana Maturation Institute

Sunay Dilbaz Melda Özdemir — 2026-07-16

It is possible to define the term ‘mosaic’ as a decoration technique formed by arranging various materials such as natural or processed, stone, enamel, glass, wood, ceramics on a surface with small pieces. The mosaic technique, which is generally applied in temples, sanctuaries, shelter decorations, floor, wall and ceiling tiles in many civilisations starting from ancient times, reflected the culture, belief and lifestyle of the period in which it was applied. With its history dating back centuries, it has been one of the sources of art of many tribes, civilisations and nations, transferred the characteristics of the period it was in to the next generations, and managed to be a source of inspiration for today's designers and artists with its aesthetic appearance and texture. In this study, handicraft products created in Adana Maturation Institute inspired by the Roman Mosaic artefact in Adana Archaeological Museum were examined. Within the scope of the research, 12 mosaics were introduced and 11 products, including 1 amphora, 1 ceramic plate, 1 vase, 1 brass brooch, 1 embroidered bag, 1 embroidered panel, 1 leather painting, 2 bead embroidered bags, 1 relief and 1 wooden panel, were examined. In addition, brief information about adana maturation institute and adana archaeological museum was given in the study. With this study, it is aimed to establish a link between the past and the future and to ensure the intercultural transfer of works of art made thousands of years ago.

A Study of the Theory of Absolute Drama: What Was Szondi's Mistake?

Funda Özşener — 2026-07-16

Szondi, the father of Absolute Drama and the owner of the Modern Theater theory, has been the subject of both fervent applause and serious criticism over time. Szondi; It advocates the dialectical, necessary, Neo-Hegelian harmony of the relationship of form and content. According to this point of view, drama is a process that is always redefined but characterized by absolute features. It is self-sufficient, it is purified. In fact, what makes it Absolute is that it is so closed, protected and gazeless. Szondi, who believed that disruption in this structure would harm representation, on the other hand, contrary to himself, built an unchangeable drama model and set of rules that could be written in all ages. However, the crisis will result in a brand new understanding of theater, and the postdramatic text, with its own internal laws, will emerge surprisingly healthy from these crises and flaws. It is difficult to read Szondi without falling under his spell, but it is necessary to get to know him through his opposition. Adhering strictly to the perspective of the Western tradition, working in a narrow field with a limited number of writers, and presenting the theory of Absolute Drama only through written texts are among the criticisms that Szondi, who is actually a literary critic, often encounters. But most importantly, according to critics, Szondi put forward a practical prescription and this formulation was generally adopted. Because the method provides ease of use. His success lies in his ability to turn his arguments into a drama specification, a technical manual. Nevertheless, Szondi's importance is undeniable and his book retains its decisive theoretical power as one of the main sources of twentieth-century theatre. The aim of this study is to evaluate Szondi and Absolute Drama Theory from different perspectives.

Electric Bass Guitar Performance Techniques in Turkish Folk Music

İskender Kar Bekir Tanyeri — 2026-07-16

In this study, it is aimed to determine and develop bass guitar playing techniques in Turkish folk music. In this direction, studies have been carried out on two determined maqams. The designated maqams are Hüseyni/Uşşak and Hicaz. Two separate folk songs have been determined for each makam. Three bass guitar marches at different levels were determined for each folk song. The walks here are written digitally with the Musescore notation program and are given in the study. Root sounds were used in the first level, and harmonic and bass lines were enriched in the second level compared to the first level. At the third level, almost every chord that can be used in the makam is used. The walks used are more intense rhythmic walks compared to the second level. As a result, chords that can be used in Turkish folk music (in the Hüseyni/Uşşak and Hicaz modes) and three levels that can be performed with the bass guitar have been suggested.