A study and transcription of the Lyrics Manuscript Numbered CTFTM609-1

This study focuses on the transcription, literary and musical analysis, and modern Turkish adaptation of CTFTM609-1, a handwritten lyrics manuscript compiled in the 18th century, which stands as one of the significant written sources in the history of Turkish music. Written in Persian, Ottoman Turkish, and Arabic, the manuscript has been transcribed and simplified into contemporary Turkish and analyzed from both literary and musical perspectives. The primary objective of the study is to examine the structural and metrical elements of the lyrics within the framework of aruz (classical prosodic system), thereby enhancing their accessibility for modern readers and shedding light on the poetic and musical sensibilities of the era. In addition, the poets and composers mentioned in the mecmua have been examined through the names and pseudonyms they used, and brief biographical information has been provided for those whose identities could be identified. These biographical data contribute to understanding the intellectual, artistic, and cultural context in which the lyrics were produced. Moreover, although the Mecmua was compiled in the 18th century, the presence of some poems dating from earlier periods enhances its historical and cultural significance by reflecting a continuity of literary tradition. Another section of the thesis outlines a theoretical framework addressing the concepts of writing, güfte, the tradition of güfte mecmuası, and their place within cultural and historical memory. In this context, the thesis aims not only to explore the literary and musical content but also to interpret the cultural layers of meaning embedded in these historical texts. The methodology of the study follows a descriptive and analytical approach, drawing upon document analysis, textual interpretation, and metrical analysis based on classical aruz. In this process, the lyrics were meticulously examined in their original forms and then transcribed into modern Turkish to ensure readability. The linguistic, structural, and metrical features of the lyrics were analyzed in detail, offering insight into the aesthetic preferences of the time and the relationship between poetry and music. Accordingly, this thesis does not merely present a historical güfte mecmuası to contemporary readers, but also reconsiders the cultural, aesthetic, and identity-forming role of lyrics within Ottoman literature and music. It emphasizes not only the transmission of poetic and musical heritage but also reveals how this heritage was shaped within the collective memory and artistic understanding of its time. Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to the fields of literature, musicology, and cultural history by emphasizing the importance of güfte mecmuası as both literary and musical sources and by offering a deeper understanding of the intertwined relationship between words and music in the Ottoman cultural sphere. Keywords: Ottoman Music, Lyrics, Anthology, Compilation, Lyric manuscript