Historical studies, among the ways of classifying historical information, are most inclined to periodization. Periodization divides historical information in the time axis. The present article examines the background, intellectual-philosophical foundations and functions of periodization in history, in general, and in literary history, in particular. Periodization is a long-standing concept and its approaches and methods have undergone many changes over time. The narrative given in this article about these developments shows how the fields of application of this concept have been provided in literary history. Therefore, it becomes necessary to examine the relationship between periodization in general history and literary history. Therefore, it becomes necessary to examine the relationship between periodization in general history and literary history. Literary historians use periodization in different meanings. These different meanings come from different intellectual and philosophical sources, and understanding these philosophical foundations is the precursor to understanding the structural patterns - here, periodization - emerging from them. Although many attempts have been made since the beginning of the 20th century to separate the field of literary history and literary criticism, periodization as a practice that determines the structure of literary history books is considered a critical practice and has essential functions in literary studies.
)