Uzunyaylalı wrote about the life of the legendary poet Nefî.

The novel “Nefi, Killing the Poet” written by journalist and author M. Talat Uzunyaylalı has been published.

In the Nefi novel published by Babıali Kültür Yayıncılığı (BKY), the political, social, and cultural atmosphere of the period is effectively narrated through dramatic events in Ottoman history, such as the reigns of Sultan Ahmed I, his sons Sultan Genç Osman and Sultan Dördüncü Murad, the Abaza Pasha’s rebellion in Erzurum, Janissary uprisings, failed military campaigns, and discussions on Sharia and sects.

Uzunyaylalı stated, “Just like our novels ‘Unshared Lands,’ where we explore the reasons behind the Armenian deportations and the unforgettable name of the homeland defense, the Legendary Woman Nene Hatun, the Nefi novel also contains real events that our nation has experienced and offers exemplary lessons for today. By adhering to historical events, we take the reader on a deep journey into Ottoman history with the Nefi novel as well. The fact that similar events from that day still occur today shows us the reality of history repeating itself. In other words, while the reader is reading a story from yesterday, they will also remember today.”

The novel “Nefi, Killing the Poet” is not only a historical narrative but also sheds light on the social and literary dynamics of the period through the life and drama of a powerful poet like Nefi.

Who is Nefi?

Nef’î was born in 1572 in Hasankale-Erzurum and died in Istanbul on January 27, 1635. His real name was Ömer, and he was a famous Turkish poet from Erzurum. He achieved great success in the field of qasida and was recognized as a master of satire. His first pen name was Zarrî, but it was later changed to Nef’î by the historian Ali from Gelibolu.

Nef’î started his education in Hasankale and continued in Erzurum, where he learned Arabic and Persian. He began writing poetry at a young age and came to Istanbul during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I to serve the state. Nef’î, who earned the anger of many with his satires, was protected by Sultan Murad IV but was strangled to death in the palace in 1635 due to his satire of Bayram Pasha.

His main works include “Sihâm-ı Kazâ” (satirical poems), Turkish Divan, and Persian Divan.