This volume contains a mesnevi poem in stanzas concerning the life and virtues of the Prophet Muhammad, intended for recitation at gatherings celebrating his birth. The poet was inspired by the highly popular Mevlud of Süleyman Çelebi (died 825 AH/1422 CE). The author does not appear to be named in the manuscript. Its opening beyit is identical to that of Topkapı Sarayı Müzesi Ms H.1246, the author of which Karatay also was unable to identify (TSMTYK, II:130). The lines quoted as the final ones of the poem are also the refrain repeated after each stanza of the poem. Begins (1v):. Besmele Başlayalım evvel Allah adını / örelim (?) ondan sözün bünyadını * evvel Allah diyelim biz derd ile / Allah adın öğrettirelim her dile. Chorus (throughout):. Ger (eğer) bu alem halkı derse subh u şam / Medih olunsa haşir'tek olmaz tamam * Ger dilersen bula canin safa / Ver salavat ber Resul-i Mustafa * Allah zade Muhammed ta'zimen / Sallu aleyhi ve sellimu teslimen. Beginning of section on miracles of the Prophet (Mu'cizat-ı Resulullah) (57r). Poem ends (82v):. Gir diler isen bula canın safa / ver salavat ber Resul-i Mustafa * Allah zade Muhammeden ta'zimen / sallu aleyhi ve sellimu teslimen. Final supplication begins (83r):. …Allahümme afina va'fu anna vağfir lena ve'rhamna. Final supplication ends (84r):. Cümle müminlerin geçmişlerine rahmet bakilerine sıhhat selamet afiyet müyesser eyle ya Rabb. British Library Or 12487 shares some features of the present volume, including the opening verses and most of the chorus. Unlike the present volume, it is interspersed with verses from the Quran to be recited after each section, and after concluding with the same supplication as is found in this volume, has additional verses in praise of the Prophet in Arabic and Ottoman Turkish. The present volume has an illuminated headpiece in gold, red and blue on f 1v, and gold and green text frames throughout. The headpiece carries the title Haza kitab-i Mevlud-i şerif, though the words are somewhat distorted. The same words are inscribed on f 1r. Other contents include the inscription 'Mulid Sharif / 1186 H / 1772 A.D. / Lot 15' on the front flyleaf. There is the pencilled inscription 'tıflı niyaz' on the end flyleaf. The colophon is on f 84r, and confirms that the work was copied by Ahmed in 1186 AH/1772-3 CE.
[Mevlud-i Şerif] - [مولود شريف].
This material is held atBritish Library Asia, Pacific and Africa Collections
- Reference
- GB 59 Or 16173
- Dates of Creation
- 1186
- Language of Material
- Arabic Turkish
- Physical Description
- 1 text 84 ff Material: Off-white European laid paper, medium to thick; some dampstaining throughout the volume. Foliation: European, 84 ff, plus 1 blank, not evenly cut. Dimensions: 169-172 x 113-115 mm; text area 97 x 59 mm. Pricking and Ruling: 11 lines; The Divine Name and the names of the Prophet (Muhammad, Ahmad, Mahmud, Mustafa) are written in red, as are certain key lines of the poem. Gold and green text frames, wider on ff 1v-2r; ff 57-66 are thinner and darker, and the writing is larger. Script: Clear vocalized nesih. Binding: Deep red morocco binding, with surface damage in the lower areas and partially broken spine; central gilt medallions with arabesque ornamentation.
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