THE SIN, EVIL, UGLINESS AND HORROR OF BLUE: BLUE EYES IN 14TH-15TH CENTURY DIVAN POETRY Cover Image

MAVİNİN GÜNAHI, KÖTÜLÜĞÜ, ÇİRKİNLİĞİ VE KORKUNÇLUĞU: 14-15. YÜZYIL DİVAN ŞİİRİNDE MAVİ GÖZLER
THE SIN, EVIL, UGLINESS AND HORROR OF BLUE: BLUE EYES IN 14TH-15TH CENTURY DIVAN POETRY

Author(s): Ayşe Ayaz
Subject(s): Turkish Literature, 13th to 14th Centuries, 15th Century, The Ottoman Empire, Theory of Literature
Published by: Orijentalni Institut u Sarajevu
Keywords: 14th century; 15th century; Divan poetry; blue eyes;

Summary/Abstract: In Turkish poetic and prose works written during the 14th and 15th centuries, the blue eye color was synonymous with danger, hatred, repulsion and wickedness, both in this world and in the afterlife. According to some stories and texts, blue eyes, which the Turks accepted as sacred, chosen, and superior in pre-Islamic times, became associated with liars, sinners, terrifying, wicked, and ruthless people and beings in Turkish poetic and prose works written in and outside of Anatolia during the 14th and 15th centuries. This article traces the use of blue eyes in 14th and 15th century Divan poetry. First, the works that depict blue-eyed wicked, terrifying, ruthless, ugly, and deceitful characters and beings are identified. Later, the reason behind this notable negative attitude towards blue eyes is explored and revealed by examining its origins.

  • Issue Year: 2023
  • Issue No: 72
  • Page Range: 301-326
  • Page Count: 26
  • Language: Turkish