Conceptual space of power in the eulogy tradion in Turkish literature (15-18. century)

The conceptual space is a linguistic theory that identifies the relationships among words and, by examining those relationships, addresses synonymy, near-synonymy, and meaning relations that complement one another, thereby enabling the detection of lexical networks. Studies grounded in this framework focus on the meanings words acquire in their usage contexts and on the changes and transformations they undergo across centuries. Drawing on these insights, the present study examines the conceptual space of the word "iktidar" in eulogies, which contain significant information concerning the presence and power of the sultan/pasha, the continuity of the state, and related matters. In the first stage, the theory of conceptual spaces is outlined; subsequently, dictionaries are surveyed to delineate the conceptual space of the word "iktidar." By identifying the words associated with "iktidar," the study determines the themes around which expressions of power concentrate in eulogies. This analysis examines the concept of "iktidar" in the eulogies of prominent poets from the 15th to 18th centuries —such as Şeyhî, Ahmet Paşa, Necatî, Fuzûlî, Bâkî, Hayalî Bey, Nâbî, Nâ'ilî-i Kadîm, Nef'î, Nedîm, Şeyh Gâlip, and Sünbülzade Vehbî— by identifying the time period in the world and providing context for the individuals, figures, and daily life in relation to power and its realities.