Ottoman Poetry

Ottoman poetry is a rich literary tradition from the Ottoman Empire (14th to 20th centuries), characterized by its formal structure and depth of emotion. Influenced by Persian and Arab literature, it often explores themes of love, nature, philosophy, and mysticism, reflecting the complexities of life and spirituality. Poets frequently employed intricate metaphors and a lyrical style, using specific forms like the ghazal (a lyrical poem) and the kaside (a eulogistic poem). The language used, Ottoman Turkish, blends Turkish with Persian and Arabic, making it unique but also challenging to modern readers. Overall, it reveals the cultural fusion of its time.