THE DEVELOPMENT OF TURKISH LITERATURE IN MACEDONIA DURING THE OTTOMAN PERIOD

Abstract

During their long-standing presence in the Balkan Peninsula, the Ottomans and their culture experienced significant spiritual and cultural development. This development was greatly influenced by numerous poets, writers, and scholars who created various works in the fields of poetry and prose during the classical Ottoman period. During this period, mystical poetry, religious literature, and scientific literature achieved remarkable success. Naturally, this progress was accompanied by advancements in other areas such as architecture, the art of manuscript illumination and decoration, philosophy, and more. Different styles and movements in these fields spread throughout the empire via various institutions, including the sultan’s high madrasas, the madrasas in major cities, and the lodges (tekkes) of various dervish orders, where numerous mystics and sheikhs were active. While poets and writers in the classical period predominantly produced texts with religious themes, by the 19th century, literature and poetry had begun to take on a national character, reflecting the aspirations of the Turkish people.