Transcription and evaluation of Alî of Gallipoli‟s Fursatnâme and its significance in terms of the 1580-1581 Iran campaign

ABSTRACT This thesis is dedicated to the examination of the Kitab-ı Fursatnâme, a primary source that illuminates the Iran campaign of the Ottoman Empire in 1580-1581. The Kitab-ı Fursatnâme, a significant work in Ottoman history and literature, was written as an addition and complement to the Nusretnâme. It is the creation of Mustafa Âlî of Gallipoli (1541-1600), a prominent figure in Ottoman history who served as a divan scribe, munshi, and treasury officer and passed away while serving as a beglerbeg. Fursatnâme, the author's most artistically significant work among the more than fifty determined so far, was directly transcribed and simplified in contemporary Turkish for better comprehension. This was followed by a historical summary and evaluation, providing valuable context for the work. Despite being written in Ottoman Turkish, the work predominantly used Persian and Arabic words and phrases. It has been observed that Turkish words have also been used here and there, albeit rarely. This work of Âlî, enriched with a wealth of Arabic and Persian phrases, is a testament to the author's linguistic prowess, showcasing his mastery and skill. As will be seen later, the manuscript's language is quite heavy and ornate, and the sentences are lengthy. This ornate style of the author has been attempted to be evaluated with the same sensitivity. Despite its brevity being the primary aim, the work has blossomed into a volume of one hundred and six pages, a testament to the author's skill and mastery. The ornate writing technique and artistic richness of Fursatnâme, penned in prose verse, often recounts events by concluding with a descriptive poem, adding a unique dimension to the history. Keywords: Mustafa Âlî of Gallipoli, Fursatnâme, Sinan Pasha, Prose, Poem, Persian, Arabic.