Entertainment and performing arts in classical Turkish literature

Festivals hold a significant place within the rich and vibrant cultural heritage of the Ottoman Empire. These events brought together people from all segments of society, strengthening social solidarity and enhancing social, economic, and sacred structures. Weddings and festivals, organized on various occasions throughout the Ottoman period, broke the monotony of daily life, creating revitalizing, calming, and unifying effects. This thesis examines the general characteristics, functions, and historical context of festivals and entertainment culture, which held an important place in Ottoman social life, and explores their reflections in classical Turkish poetry. The study investigates how the performance arts and entertainment culture displayed during weddings and festivals in the Ottoman period were reflected in classical Turkish poetry. In classical Turkish literature, entertainment and performance arts are extensively covered in a broad spectrum, including circus and illusion arts, animal shows, light and fire performances, non-verbal dramatic arts, and verbal dramatic arts. Keywords: Classical Turkish Literature, performing arts, entertainment arts, Ottoman festivals, divan poetry