The secret of numbers in Turkish sufi poetry

This study systematically examines the functions of numerical symbolism in Turkish Sufi divan poetry, taking into account historical processes and differences among poets. Within the scope of the study, the divans of 16 sufi poets who lived from the 13th to the 20th century were analyzed, and findings regarding the use of numbers were visualized through tables. Each century was evaluated within its own internal dynamics and cultural context, and the ways in which poets employed number symbolism and the depth of its meaning were presented through tables.Furthermore, by conducting inter-century comparative analyses, the changes in numbers over time, their density, and their poetic functions have been revealed.In the Divans examined, numbers such as "2", "4", "7", "40" and "1000" prominently appear as poetic reflections of the two worlds, four elements, spiritual ranks, stages of perfection, and the concept of mercy. The study demonstrates that numbers are not merely symbolic elements, but also serve as a central tool for poets in conveying Sufi teachings to the reader and in making sense of the individual process of spiritual knowledge. Thus, the research presents the formal and content-related functions of numerical symbols in Turkish Sufi divan poetry, with a comparative and original perspective on the changing trends over centuries, providing a systematic contribution to the understanding of the depth of meaning of numbers in the classical literary tradition.