Marmara Türkiyat Araştırmaları Dergisi

Öz

Throughout the history of humanity, the concepts of human dignity and equality have been significant topics of discussion among philosophers. These ideas trace their origins back to Aristotle and have evolved through the Stoics, culminating in the contemporary philosopher Martha C. Nussbaum's "Capabilities Approach." This approach primarily focuses on determining what individuals are capable of and aims to establish a more equitable societal framework based on these capabilities. Notably, women, who have often been denied a life that aligns with human dignity and equality, fall within the purview of Martha C. Nussbaum's work.
One of the most renowned works in Turkish literature, the masnavi of Leylâ and Mecnûn, is globally recognized for its portrayal of the love story between a woman and a man that ultimately leads to separation. However, this narrative goes beyond depicting a mere love story; it holds value in its depiction of the life of one of the main protagonists, Leylâ. This study seeks to uncover the longstanding inequalities, marginalization, ignorance and injustices experienced by women over centuries, utilizing Nussbaum’s approach, with a focus on the character of Leylâ. Drawing from literature and philosophy, this analysis aims to shed light on the state of women who were historically deprived of the right to make decisions and choices, using Leylâ as a representative case study.