18. Yüzyıl Klasik Türk Şiirinde Ahlak Anlayışı
Moral Understanding in 18th Century Classical Turkish Poetry

Summary/Abstract: Literature, an art form that combines language and aesthetics, is noteworthy for being derived from the word “edeb” (manners). This indicates a close relationship between literature, manners and morality. The frequent inclusion of moral themes in the works of poets and writers is a consequence of this relationship. According to Islamic belief, man is a special being created in the best form. On the other hand, man, being human, is prone to error. Literary artists, believing that man needs constant warnings and reminders to avoid straying from the straight path, have reflected this understanding in their works. 18th-century classical Turkish literature artists also frequently included moral themes in their poems. This study will attempt to reveal the moral understanding of the period by examining the independent works and divans of 18th-century classical Turkish literature poets that deal with morality. The study will identify what moral values were discussed within the framework of the moral understanding of the period and in what context the poets interpreted these values. Within this scope, the works of 18th-century classical Turkish literature artists İzzet Ali Paşa, Sünbülzâde Vehbî, Fıtnat Hanım, Koca Râgıb Paşa, Haşmet, Seyyid Vehbî, and Nedim were examined using qualitative research methods. The works under study were thematically investigated in terms of the metaphors used by the poets and the religious, historical, and social contexts of the couplets. The study reveals that the moral understanding of the period was shaped within the framework of moral values such as justice, patience, honesty, generosity, contentment, and helpfulness. It is observed that the poets of the period addressed these issues in accordance with the Islamic tradition, within a philosophical, symbolic, and aesthetic framework. Furthermore, considering that moral values are generally timeless and universal, the views, solutions, and interpretations regarding the moral understanding of the period will provide a different approach to some moral problems of today.

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