Fazli (poet)

Fazli (فضلی) was the pen name (takhallus) of several poets and writers, most notably a 16th-century Ottoman Azerbaijani poet, philosopher, and scholar. He is principally known for his contributions to Azerbaijani literature and his works in both Azerbaijani Turkish and Persian.

Fazli's exact birth and death dates are debated by scholars, but he is generally believed to have lived during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent (1520-1566). His origins are thought to be in the region of present-day Iraq or Iran, then part of the Ottoman Empire.

His most famous work is his Leyla and Majnun, a version of the classic Persian romance rendered into Azerbaijani Turkish. This work is considered a masterpiece of Azerbaijani literature and demonstrates Fazli's mastery of both the language and the poetic form. It is distinct from other versions of the story due to its profound philosophical and mystical themes.

Fazli's writing is characterized by its deep engagement with Sufism and Islamic mysticism. His poetry explores themes of divine love, the search for spiritual truth, and the relationship between the human and the divine. He was deeply influenced by the works of Persian mystics such as Rumi and Attar.

In addition to Leyla and Majnun, Fazli also composed Divan (a collection of poems) in both Azerbaijani Turkish and Persian. These poems cover a wide range of topics, including love, morality, and philosophical contemplation. His Divan provides valuable insight into the intellectual and cultural landscape of the 16th-century Ottoman Empire.

Fazli's work continues to be studied and appreciated for its literary merit, its philosophical depth, and its contribution to the development of Azerbaijani literature. He is regarded as one of the most important classical poets of the Azerbaijani tradition.