Everything about mythology discussed in comprehensive seminars

The “Introduction to Mythology” seminar series, organized by the Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, concluded with its third seminar. During the seminar, History Department Instructor Dr. Dicle Kaya discussed the multi-layered thought structure of the ancient world through the concepts of myth, pantheon, and iconography; symbols, power, destiny, and cultural meanings were evaluated through Olympian gods, especially Zeus, and heroic figures like Heracles. The seminar series concluded by emphasizing that mythology is not merely a collection of past narratives but also an important resource for understanding today's cultural codes. 

The third and final session of the “Introduction to Mythology” seminar series, held as a series throughout the semester by the FHSS Dean's Office, took place in the Socrates Hall, E Block of the South Campus. 

Instructor Dr. Dicle Kaya participated as a speaker in the seminar titled “Introduction to Mythology III.” Thus, the three-stage seminar series structured within the faculty was completed, offering a comprehensive framework extending from the fundamental concepts of mythological thought to narratives of gods and heroes. 

Symbols enable distinguishing gods

In the seminar, the concepts of myth, pantheon, and iconography were discussed in detail. 

Instructor Dr. Dicle Kaya emphasized that mythological narratives in the ancient world functioned not only as stories but also as religious and cultural texts. Kaya drew attention to the decisive role of attributes in understanding divine figures, stating that symbols such as owls, lyres, laurels, bows, and armor enabled distinguishing gods, and therefore, mythology and iconography should be evaluated together. 

Mythological symbols and functions evaluated

In the seminar, the lineage of the gods was summarized through Gaia, Uranus, the Titans, Cronus, and Zeus, and Zeus was reminded as the figure who established the Olympian order as the chief god. 

Subsequently, mythological symbols and functions were evaluated through major Olympian gods such as Apollo, Artemis, Ares, Athena, Hermes, Hephaestus, and Dionysus. 

Kaya stated:
-    Apollo is associated with music, art, poetry, and prophecy,

-    Artemis with the moon, wild nature, and hunting,

-    and Ares and Athena with the destructive and strategic dimensions of war. 

The particular mention of the differences between the Ephesian Artemis and the depictions of Artemis in the Greek world made visible the interaction between Anatolian mythological tradition and the classical Greek pantheon.

Structures associated with gods examined

Kaya drew attention to Hermes' structure, associated with cunning as the messenger of the gods and protector of travelers, and stated that he is easily distinguishable iconographically by his winged sandals, cap, and staff. 

She stated that Hephaestus, as a master figure associated with fire, blacksmithing, and craftsmanship, held a special position producing weapons and armor for the Olympian gods, and stood apart from other gods with his flawed and outcast nature. She also highlighted Dionysus as a multi-layered god associated not only with wine but also with ecstasy, theatre, revelry, and trance, drawing attention to his strong connection with Anatolia.

 Greek mythology is not merely about tales of gods and heroes…

In the final section of the seminar, themes of power, destiny, prophecy, and ordeal were discussed through demigod and hero figures such as Heracles and Perseus. 
The narratives of Heracles' twelve labors and Perseus' slaying of Medusa were evaluated among the most well-known examples of mythological heroism. 
Kaya concluded her speech by emphasizing that Greek mythology offers a multi-layered narrative world intertwined with symbols, rituals, visual culture, and social values, not merely consisting of tales of gods and heroes. 

The world of ancient thought examined in depth

The “Introduction to Mythology” seminar series, held over three sessions, enabled students to comprehensively evaluate the ancient world of thought at the levels of history, symbolism, culture, and visual representation. 

The final event of the series provided academic contribution by demonstrating that mythology is not merely a collection of past narratives but also an important intellectual resource for understanding today's cultural codes.