Poetry (Children)

Poetry is a word of Arabic origin, meaning "to understand something intuitively" or "coherent and measured words formed through emotion." Many different definitions have been offered regarding what poetry is, but most time find it easier to describe what poetry is not rather than what it is. Nevertheless, some common characteristics of poetry include its reliance on intuition, its inclusion of emotions and dreams, and its harmony.

The Colorful World of Poetry

How Did Poetry Begin?

Poetry has existed since ancient times. People combined poetry with music, religious rituals and magical such as practices. Some of the earliest examples of poetry include:

• The Epic of Gilgamesh (Sumerians, 4000–3000 BCE)
• The Vedas (India, 1000 BCE)
• The Iliad and the Odyssey (Homer, 8th century BCE)

Poetry in the Ancient World

Arabic, Persian and Turkish Poetry

In Arab literature, poetry holds a central place. After the advent of Islam, Arabic poetry became even more widespread and developed in various forms. Persian literature was also influenced by Arabic poetry and produced great works.

Arabic and Persian Poetry

The earliest Turkish poems were transmitted orally. The poems surviving from the ancient Turks extend back to the Huns, Göktürks and Uyghurs periods. The Uyghurs, in the 8th century, composed poems under the influence of Buddhism and Manichaeism. Later, Turkish poetry, beginning with works such as Kutadgu Bilig and Atabetü’l-Hakayık, was heavily influenced by Islamic culture.

The Origins of Turkish Poetry

Divan Literature and Folk Poetry

After the Turks adopted Islam, influences from Arabic and Persian poetry began to appear in their verse. During this period, known as Divan literature, poets such as Fuzûlî, Bâkî, Nedim and Şeyh Galip produced major works. People poetry, by contrast, developed in a simpler and more accessible form, tailored to popular taste. Important figures of this tradition include folk poets Karacaoğlan and Yunus Emre.

The Convergence of Folk and Divan Poetry

Modern Turkish Poetry

Toward the end of the 18th century, Turkish poetry underwent major changes under the influence of West. Poetry began to be written in simpler language and turned its focus to everyday subjects such as nature and human experience. Mehmet Akif, Yahya Kemal and Nazım Hikmet are regarded as pioneers of modern Turkish poetry. During the Republican era, any thing could become the subject of poetry.

A 19th Century Turkish Poet

The Power of Poetry

Poetry is one of the most beautiful ways to express our emotions and dreams. When writing poetry, words are crafted into a as if dance. Poetry reflects our cultural heritage from the past while also helping us generate new ideas and visions.

The Joy of Writing Poetry

Remember, poetry is not just about only, but also about dream and feeling! Perhaps one day you too will write a beautiful poem expressing your emotions! 😊