SYMBOLS OF ANKA AND SIMURG IN SHEIKH GALIB’S DIWAN

There is a belief in Arabic and Persian mythologies about a mythical bird called Anka (Arabic) and Simurg (Persian). These two birds generally known as Phoenix in West. After Islam these two imaginary bird’s characteristics integrated, a common belief and some myths about them occured among Muslim nations. In Turkish mythology double-headed eagle and two birds called Konrul and Tuğrul carries the equivalant characteristics of Simurg and Anka. However with the influence of common Islamic culture a legendary bird which fits the Arab and Persian mythologies called Zümrüdüanka was also born in Turkish folk narratives and tales. Anka and Simurg are one of the most used and interesting mythological elements and symbols of Ottoman Court Poetry. They were used as symbols in expression of Islamic mysticism, metaphysics and cosmic ideas. In literature Anka and Simurg generally represent the maturity in mystical sense and intimacy with God. Apart from these it is seen that Anka and Simurg used in expression of some elements as beauty, dignity, modesty, disinterestedness, knowledge, talent, enlightenment, illumination and regenaration via metaphors and analogies. Islamic mysticism is very convenient for symbolic expression. With the effects of works in Arabic and Persion literatures Anka and Simurg were used for cover some terms and meanings in mystic expression. Sheikh Galip is the leader among the poets who use this symbolic expression style. In this paper Anka and Simurg symbols in Turkish classical literature was identified in the example of Sheikh Galip’s Diwan.