An Analysis of the Thematic and Allegorical Depth of the Meaning World of the Gazel Genre in Divan Poetry

Abstract

Ghazal, as one of the most prominent poetic forms of classical Turkish literature, stands out not only for its formal aesthetics but also for its rich semantic structure. This study analyzes the thematic world of meaning in ghazals within the framework of love, mysticism (Sufism), nature, and fate. The research particularly focuses on the multi-layered structure of meaning achieved through the use of metaphors, allegory, and the traditional imagery system known as mazmun. By analyzing selected couplets from major poets such as Fuzûlî, Bâkî, Nedim, Şeyh Galip, and Niyazî-i Mısrî, the study demonstrates how these themes are handled and how they contribute to the depth of meaning in the ghazal tradition. This research highlights that ghazal serves not only as a medium for personal emotional expression but also as a metaphysical quest and an aesthetic reflection.