Jordanian artist revives Ottoman puppet theater for modern audiences

In the culturally rich city of Es-Salt, west of Jordan’s capital Amman, Jordanian puppeteer Isra es-Safi is blending Ottoman-era traditions with contemporary techniques to revive the art of puppet theater for children. Known for its historical and cultural diversity, Es-Salt continues to bear the legacy of civilizations, including the Ottoman Empire.

Es-Safi, 40, has modernized the traditional Ottoman puppet theater, particularly inspired by the “Karagoz” shadow play, to engage children in educational and entertaining ways. Her performances, staged at various educational institutions and centers, aim to connect today’s youth with this cultural heritage while catering to modern sensibilities.

Ottoman puppets with intellectual property rights

Es-Safi began crafting puppets a year ago, importing materials from the United States to bring her vision to life. Today, her creations include four large, 20 medium-sized, and 40 small puppets, all registered with the National Library Department. “We secured intellectual property rights for four puppet characters, ensuring the originality of our work,” Es-Safi shared.

Her motivation stemmed from a personal experience. “After a long journey to motherhood, I took my son to a simple puppet show. I realized it could be much better, and that’s when the idea to create my own puppet theater took root,” she said.

Reviving Karagoz with modern twist

Es-Safi and her husband delved into the history of Karagoz during the Ottoman era, adapting its themes to resonate with contemporary audiences. “After exploring Karagoz’s history and tailoring it to modern needs, interest in our work grew significantly,” she explained.

The performances, featuring 15 unique scenarios, are delivered primarily in classical Arabic, with one script presented in a local Jordanian dialect that highlights regional traditions. Despite their simplicity, the shows draw an exceptional response from audiences.

“Our aim is to revive tradition in a modern format that benefits children, keeps them away from screens, and enhances their communication skills,” Es-Safi noted.

Platform for education and community values

Beyond entertainment, the puppet shows serve as a medium to address social issues and promote community values. “We strive to convey meaningful messages through creative storytelling,” Es-Safi said.

Her project also reflects the cultural exchange between Türkiye and Jordan, as elements of Turkish inspiration are evident in the performances. “Through Karagoz, we aim to reinforce declining societal values and connect audiences with a rich cultural heritage,” she added.

Es-Safi’s work is a testament to how traditional art forms can be adapted for modern needs, preserving historical legacies while creating engaging and educational experiences for the next generation.