Alper Canıgüz discusses hyperdemocracy and literature at Koza Buluşmaları

Author Alper Canıgüz participated in the Koza Buluşmaları event organized by Nilüfer Municipality at the Koza Library. During a discussion moderated by Hakan Akdoğan, Canıgüz explored themes from his latest novel, ‘Örümcek Burgacı’.

Canıgüz explained his decision to set the novel in an alternative 1974, noting that while science fiction predictions about the future often age quickly, the mid-1970s provided a compelling backdrop due to the emergence of early computing technologies like teletext and significant social shifts.

The discussion touched upon the concept of ‘hyperdemocracy’ and the dangers of treating collective will as an absolute truth. Canıgüz highlighted that the essence of democracy lies in protecting minority rights rather than making unlimited majority decisions. He also addressed how algorithms and the manipulation of fear and anger influence modern society. Finally, he discussed the role of poetry and literature in preserving the true weight of language against propaganda and the erosion of meaning.