Born in Istanbul, trained in religious sciencesand worked way up ranks of religiousscholars. Worked as a teacher in variousinstitutions

Became preceptor to Prince Murad (laterMurad III, r. 1574-95), serving as advisorwhen Murad acceded. Also advisor andmufti to Mehmed III (r. 1595-1603)

Sa‘d al-Din ibn Hasan Jan, a.k.a. KhojaEfendi (≈ “Sir Preceptor,” 1536-99)

Died during prayers in Haghia Sophia

Wrote various poetic and prose works. Bestknown for Taj al-Tawarikh, a historyof the Ottomans up to 1520

Sa‘d al-Din ibn Hasan Jan, a.k.a. KhojaEfendi (≈ “Sir Preceptor,” 1536-99)

Sufi dervish and mujahid (fighter in theholy war)

Ahmad ‘Ashiqpashazada (c. 1400-84)

Originally Christian born in Edirne.Taken prisoner in war. Trained andworked as a poet

Appointed as secretary by Ottomans in 1481.Eventually passed into service of princeMahmud, son of Bayezid II (r. 1481-1512)

When Mahmud died in 1507, Nejati washeartbroken and retired from public office

‘Isa Nejati Bey (d. Istanbul 1509)

Poetess from Amasya in Asia Minor.Daughter of qadi, descended fromSufi master

Was member of literary circle of Ahmad,son of Bayezid II (r. 1481-1512)

Repeatedly fell in love with high-rankingofficials (one called Iskender), butremained chaste and never marrieddespite many offers

Mihri Khatun (d. 1512)

Poetess born in Asia Minor in early 15th c.Possibly friend of Mihri

Educated by father to high level and composedpoetry, including volume dedicated tosultan Mehmed II (r. 1444-46 and 1451-81)

Gave up poetry after marriage at insistenceof husband

Zeynab Khatun (rumoured to havedied in 1473/4)

Fuzuli is pseudonym = “inappropriate,improper,of great value”

Mehmed ibn Suleiman,a.k.a. Fuzuli/Fizuli (c. 1480-1556)

Mehmed ibn Suleiman,a.k.a. Fuzuli/Fizuli (c. 1480-1556)

Born in Karbala’ into educated family.Received standard religious education

Was Sufi and Twelver Shi‘ite

Lived in various places in Iraq. Startedwriting poetry at an early age

Mehmed ibn Suleiman,a.k.a. Fuzuli/Fizuli (c. 1480-1556)

Originally patronised by Safavids, butlater passed into Ottoman service whenIraq passed into their hands

Died and was buried at Karbala’

Wrote in Arabic, Persian and Turkish

Tale ofMajnun (Insane)

and Layla