The Reinterpretation of Turkish Mythology in Graphic Design: Cosmological Symbols, Shamanic Imagery, and Visual Identity Design
Chapter from the book:
Çeken,
B.
(ed.)
2026.
Theoretical Applications in Graphic Design 1.
Synopsis
Mythology is one of the most significant components of cultural heritage, reflecting how societies interpret the universe, humanity, and the sacred. Turkish mythology, with its rich symbolic structures such as the Sky God (Tengri), the Tree of Life, the Grey Wolf, Umay Ana, the Shaman figure, and the Göktürk script, constitutes a fundamental source of Turkish cultural memory. This chapter examines the reflections of Turkish mythology in the field of graphic design and explores how mythological symbols are reinterpreted and reproduced within contemporary visual communication practices. The relationship between mythology and visual communication is discussed through the concepts of cultural memory, symbolism, and visual identity. The meanings of key visual codes in Turkish mythology—including Tengri, the Tree of Life, the Grey Wolf, Umay Ana, and the Shaman figure—are analyzed from a graphic design perspective. Furthermore, the use of these symbols in logo design, poster design, typography, digital illustration, and digital game design is examined. The chapter also evaluates the Göktürk alphabet as a typographic heritage and investigates the narrative, character, and environmental design potential offered by Turkish mythology within the digital gaming industry. In addition, the role of artificial intelligence–supported visual production technologies in reinterpreting mythological symbols is discussed. The findings indicate that Turkish mythology is not only a historical and folkloric heritage but also a valuable and sustainable visual resource for contemporary graphic design practices. The conscious integration of mythological symbols into design processes contributes to the preservation of cultural memory while enhancing the visibility of local cultural identity within global design environments.
