Şiirin Eşiğinde is a comprehensive study and essay collection authored by Mehmet Erdoğan. Published by Dergâh Yayınları in its Turkish Literature series, the work examines the ontological and epistemological dimensions of poetry and art. The work addresses the purpose of art, the bridge of logos between the divine will and humanity, and the position of the work of art as a search for meaning, approached with philosophical depth. The book, published in April 2004, consists of 202 pages.

Content and Thematic Structure

The work investigates the fundamental functions and philosophical background of art, and particularly of poetry. The book begins with T.S. Eliot's definition of art as the act of "showing the ordinary reality in a believable order, to give the reader a taste of this sense of order; to enable him to live in peace and tranquility, reconciled with himself, and then to leave him at a line where no one but ourselves can help as we set out towards divine truth." This quotation sets the general framework of the work, emphasizing that art is not merely an aesthetic phenomenon but also a spiritual quest and a form of establishing a relationship with truth.

In his work, Mehmet Erdoğan expresses that there is a "bridge of logos" (kelâm köprüsü) (revelation/invitation) between humanity and the divine will, and a "flow of mercy" from this divine will to humanity. He also states the existence of a turn from humanity towards the absolute truth, the divine will (prayer/response).

The book focuses on the search for the "perfect human" (insan-ı kâmil) and the work of art that represents it; it presents as an ideal a human type whose reactivity does not overshadow his essential quality, one who is purified, purifying, and encompassing. The author, who sees every work as a book of the universe, argues that the reader should approach the work as they approach the universe, and that we can find ourselves in the work, and the work in ourselves. In this context, the work questions the metaphysical dimensions of poetry and art, their relationship with creation, and their role in humanity's journey of self-understanding.

Language and Style

The language and style of the work are of an academic, descriptive, and objective nature, appropriate for the philosophical and theoretical topics it addresses. Although the text is enriched with expressions of conceptual depth, it exhibits an effort to make complex ideas understandable. In dealing with the abstract dimensions of poetry and art, the author adopts a narrative that prompts the reader to think, at times with an essayistic tone. The work does not contain any promotional or laudatory language; instead, an analytical perspective on the essence of poetry and art is presented.

The Author's Position and the Significance of the Work

Mehmet Erdoğan is a writer and thinker known in Turkish literature for his studies and essays, particularly on poetry. His works are known for their focus on the philosophical, religious, and aesthetic dimensions of literature. “Şiirin Eşiğinde” is a work that reflects the author's approach to the theory of poetry and art and his intellectual accumulation in this field.