An Iridescent Device: Premodern Ottoman Poetry

Contributions by Christiane Czygan Contributions by Gül Sen Contributions by Ali Emre Özyildirim Contributions by Benedek Péri Contributions by Hülya Çelik Contributions by Jan Schmidt Contributions by Michael Heß Contributions by Edith Ambros Contributions by Gisela Procházka-Eisl Contributions by Hatice Aynur Edited by Christiane Czygan Edited by Stephan Conermann

Book cover: An Iridescent Device: Premodern Ottoman Poetry

Extent: 268 pages

Publisher: V&R unipress

Subjects: Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies, Literary Studies

Language: English

Hardback (Published)

(December 2018)

ISBN: 9783847108559

6.3 x 9.33 inches

Price: $74.00

In stock

A large number of poems, including a newly discovered royal poem collection and the work of a poet fallen into oblivion, are discussed with regard to their multifarious functions and their contemporary lyrical appeal. Though most of these poets worked in conventional settings many of the articles in this volume point out how they broke taboos, glossed over violence, and promoted or questioned political rule, even as they appealed to their listeners on an emotional level. The authors provide ample evidence for the importance attributed to certain cities and places, as well as local affiliations and networks.


Ten experts in premodern literature and history examine the style, genre, and performance of sixteenth century Ottoman poetry. A large number of poems, including a newly discovered royal poem collection and the work of a poet fallen into oblivion, are discussed with regard to their multifarious functions and their contemporary lyrical appeal. Though most of these poets worked in conventional settings many of the articles in this volume point out how they broke taboos, glossed over violence, and promoted or questioned political rule, even as they appealed to their listeners on an emotional level. The authors provide ample evidence for the importance attributed to certain cities and places, as well as local affiliations and networks. These analyses show how premodern poetry operated as a tool of communication and formed an integral part of premodern social and political life.

  • Contributions by Christiane Czygan
  • Contributions by Gül Sen
  • Contributions by Ali Emre Özyildirim
  • Contributions by Benedek Péri
  • Contributions by Hülya Çelik
  • Contributions by Jan Schmidt
  • Contributions by Michael Heß
  • Contributions by Edith Ambros
  • Contributions by Gisela Procházka-Eisl
  • Contributions by Hatice Aynur
  • Edited by Christiane Czygan
  • Edited by Stephan Conermann