Sources and Historical Development Process of Turkish-Austrian Literature and Cultural Relations

The first association with the Turks of German speaking nations, mainly Germany, was based in historical documents on the 12th century AC. Confrontation of Friedrich Barborassa and Sultan Kılıcarslan II is the most important historical concrete indicator in these relationships. As Austria is belonged to the same race with German, the dating is also valid for the two countries.Resources that define the relations between two countries can be identified as war travelogues, literary-historical Works and architectural monuments in these countries.The most important encounters after the conquest of Hungary are the beleagues of Vienna. In this process, Two folks have known each other more closely and it has created the ground for the formation of a positive or negative judgment even today.The most important ones, still protecting the validity, are: Great Turk, the Antichrist, Turkish bells, Turkish sermons, to battle against Turks is battle against the God, strong like a Turk, invincible Turk”.Historical Turkish made buildings, fountains, cannons, war supplies, tents, statues made later, names of streets and parks are the other cases showing the importance of this relationship. Families of Turkish origin, changing their religions in the post-war Austria, whose surnames are Leopolstatter, Neuchrist, Bessermann, Ofner, Weissenburger are still found.Coffee, coffee shop and crescent-shaped bagel (Kipsel) and Tulip which Turks introduced to Austria correspondingly Europe have an important place in these relations.Although the prejudices from history, that Turkish and Austrian authors give works about the people in these countries, alleviate the growing xenophobia and prejudice from history. Thanks to Austrian High School in Turkey, Cultural offices and Turkish Cultural institutions in Austria, Turcology departments, relations are progressing in a positive direction.