Neşâtî Ahmed Dede

A Mevlevî sheikh and divan poet; one of the foremost representatives of the Sebk-i Hindî style.

He was born in the early seventeenth century at Edirne; his given name was Ahmed. From his youth he studied various sciences and drew great benefit from Ağazâde Mehmed Dede, the head of the Gallipoli Mevlevî lodge.

In 1081 (1670) he became sheikh of the Edirne Mevlevî lodge; he held the post for four years and had the lodge repaired.

He died in 1085 (1674) at Edirne.

His Circle of Influence — On his death such well-known poets as Nâbî, Nazîm and Fasîh Ahmed Dede composed elegies; this is the measure of his literary standing in his own day.

His Poetry and Sufi Line — As an important representative of the Sebk-i Hindî style he composed flowing, cheerful poetry suited to refined sensibilities. The marked features of his works are succinct expression, careful choice of words, deep artistry and a refined style.

His Works — 1. Dîvan. It contains twenty-seven odes, 137 ghazals and other verse forms. 2. Hilye-i Enbiyâ. A versified history of the prophets in 187 couplets. 3. Edirne Şehrengizi. A city poem of 144 couplets. 4. Şerh-i Müşkilât-ı Örfî. A commentary on the Persian poet Örfî. 5. Tuhfetü'l-uşşâk (1662). A Persian mystical commentary. He also has various letters and poetic responses.

His Tomb and Complex — He was buried at the Murâdiye Mosque in Edirne.