The transformation of Ghazal from Süleyman I to Ahmed I: An analysis of Pervane Bey Mecmuası

This thesis presents a comparative analysis of two sets of ghazals in Pervane Bey Mecmuası. The first set consists of nazires composed by Suleiman I and by poets who died during or after his reign, while the second set comprises ghazals penned by Ahmed I and his companion and chief falconer, Hâfız Ahmed Ağa. Through this comparison, the study demonstrates that the Ottoman ghazal underwent significant change and transformation between the mid-sixteenth century and the early seventeenth century, namely, from the reign of Süleyman I to that of Ahmed I, as a result of the socio-political shifts within the Ottoman Empire. Excluding the introduction and conclusion, the thesis composed of two chapters. The first chapter provides a general overview of Suleyman the Lawgiver's era, followed by an interpretation of the parallel poems produced during this period in terms of context, relations, and participants and with regard to the prevailing socio-political conditions and the system of literary patronage among poets. The second chapter discusses the empire's transformation and the socio-political context of Ahmed I's reign, then analyzes how the context, relations, and participants of the Ottoman ghazals from this period reflect a broader poetic transformation influenced by societal change and evolving patronage dynamics.