Analysis of ahlak-i Muhsini in terms of source, method and content

In this research, Ahlak-i Muhsini was examined in terms of source, method and content and compared with some works in the moral literature. In this way, the contribution of Kashifi (d. 1504), one of the great scholars and writers of 16th century Herat, to Islamic moral thought has been tried to be revealed. Ahlak-i Muhsini was translated into Turkish many times in both the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Turkey. In the analysis whish was made on Murat Demirkol's translation; the source, method and content features of the work were determined and comparisons were made. The sources of Ahlak-i Muhsini were determined by grouping them as religious, philosophical, literary, political and historical sources. It has been determined that the literary sources of the work are more dominant than others. Although the work includes subjects within the books on politics, it has a scope that cannot be reduced to politics. In fact, it is understood that the moral book aspect is stronger than the political book aspect. In the comparison made, it has been concluded that, despite the systematic and genre difference, Ahlak-i Muhsini is more similar to Ahlak-i Alai in many respects. Even thoughthe method, which is used in this work, is partially similar to the methods used in virtue ethics, religious ethics, mystical ethics and politics, it is understood that it has differences. The didactic aspect comes to the fore in the work, a simple and effective language is used, inductions and analogies are used more widely, comparisons are made, and successful examples from various cultures are cited. In Ahlak-i Muhsini, good qualities are handled in 40 chapters. About half of these traits coincide with the virtues in the virtue ethics literature, while the other half are suitable for inclusion in the category of political virtues. The last part is not dedicated to a certain virtue and contains explanations about the decency and manners of state officials. It is understood that this last part is the part that gives the work the quality of a political name.