Abdal Order of Dervishes and Abdals in Hayreti's Poetry

Abstract

The emergence of Abdals and Kalenderis in Islamic societies from the 13th-14th centuries onward, and their subsequent presence in the Ottoman field from the 14th-15th centuries, indicate the rise of dervish groups embracing marginality in both religious perception and way of life. This ideological stance, embraced by certain poets, found expression in poetry, aligning with literary traditions and offering insights into social dynamics. Hayret & icirc;, a 16th-century abdal poet, navigated these themes with a blend of classical poetry tradition and personal insight, exploring the beliefs, mentalities, and lives of the Abdals in his verses. Upon analyzing Hayret & icirc;'s Divanfor this study, it became evident that his treatment of the Abdal order of dervishes could be categorized into three main themes: beliefs and sayings about Hz. Ali, the mentality of Abdals, and their social and cultural life. This analysis elucidates the topics and nuances that the poet delved into the beliefs, thoughts, and lifestyle of the Abdals. The selected couplets are examined under relevant dealings, shedding light on the poet's expressions, rhetorical devices, and contextual backgrounds. Furthermore, consideration is given to the placement, meaning, and connotations of words within the verses, as well as the reinterpretations and nuances attributed to the poet.