Two Dirhems, One Seed (Book)

İskender Pala’s work İki Dirhem Bir Çekirdek is a study that examines the origins of idioms and presents readers with various historical insights. This book contains 99 idiom stories, presenting the development processes of these expressions in chronological order. The work also contributes to understanding the cultural backgrounds of idioms.

İskender Pala (AA)

Idioms are established and conventional forms of expression that add vitality and depth to communication, enabling ideas and events to be conveyed more effectively. Idioms with strong historical ties often reference or evoke past events. Personal memories, narratives, and historical events are key factors in the emergence of idioms.

Through the idiom stories it contains, İki Dirhem Bir Çekirdek offers not only historical information but also clues about social and cultural life. Such historical knowledge can appear in various proportions not only in history books but also in works from other disciplines.

Some of the idioms discussed in the book and their associated historical developments:

Ali Cengiz Oyunu: Linked to Anatolia’s Mongol invasions and the concept of “Al-i Cengiz” (the lineage of Genghis).

Balta Asmak: Reflects the practice in the 18th century of Janissaries collecting tribute from the public like bandits.

Dokuz Doğurmak: Associated with Admiral Çengeloğlu Tahir Pasha’s duties in maintaining order in Kasımpaşa and Galata under the Ottoman Navy Organization.

Eski Kulağı Kesiklerden: Connected to the Bektaşiyye order, the official spiritual path of the Janissaries.

Gemi Maymunu Gibi: Related to the practice, beginning in the reign of Sultan Bayezid II, of using monkeys as lookouts on Ottoman ships.

Matrak Geçmek: Linked to Nasuh, a skilled matrak master who lived during the reign of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman and authored a historical text.

Pabucu Dama Atılmak: Related to the functioning of Ottoman guild organizations and the Ahi tradition.

Tazıya Muska Yazmak: Connected to Bayezid, who ascended the throne after Fatih and was an accomplished hunter, bringing Şeyh Hamdullah, one of the most important figures in Turkish calligraphy, to Istanbul.

Pala’s work has the potential to leave a significant and lasting impression on readers due to its fluent style and the foundational historical knowledge it conveys. Learning the origins of idioms enables a full understanding of their meanings and helps dispel urban legends or misinformation on the subject. This study not only imparts historical knowledge to readers but also serves as a starting point for those wishing to pursue more detailed research.