Tezkire

A tezkire (تذکره), also transliterated as tezkere or tadhkira, is a biographical dictionary or anthology, most often, but not exclusively, associated with Persian, Ottoman Turkish, and Urdu literature and culture. These works typically present brief biographies of poets and other prominent figures, often including examples of their work.

Tezkires serve as invaluable historical resources, offering insights into the lives, works, relationships, and social contexts of literary figures within a specific period or region. They are crucial for understanding the development of literary traditions and identifying key influences. The style and scope of tezkires varied considerably, ranging from comprehensive surveys of literary history to more focused collections covering particular schools of thought or geographical areas.

While often focusing on poets, some tezkires also include entries for other individuals of note, such as calligraphers, musicians, and even statesmen, particularly if they were known for their literary contributions or patronage. The accuracy and reliability of tezkires can vary, as authors often relied on anecdotal evidence, personal biases, or pre-existing sources. However, they remain primary source materials essential for the study of Persianate literature and culture.

The tradition of tezkire writing flourished from the medieval period well into the 20th century. Famous examples include Tadhkirat al-Awliya by Farid al-Din Attar (a hagiographical tezkire focused on Sufi saints) and numerous Ottoman tezkiretü'ş-şu'arâ (poet biographies) providing critical information about the poets and their works during different eras of the Ottoman Empire. The tradition continued in Urdu literature as well.

The study of tezkires is essential for scholars of Persian, Ottoman Turkish, and Urdu literature and cultural history.