Literature Circles in 18. Century; As a Cultural Centers of Istanbul: The Role of "Literature Circles" in the Transmission of The Cultural Heritage

The aim of this study is to explore the particular examples of literature circles which were seen as wisdom centre and were influential in 18th century Ottoman social and cultural life. This study focuses on the literature circles in the capital of Ottomans and examines their roles in the transmission of cultural heritage. Mahfil, which means the meeting place, became the centre of literature activities which are performed in a particular place. This literature circles gained the status of being a prestigious literature and art centre which witnessed the creation of significant works in 18th. They functioned as a transmitter of culture in terms of the works studied and role model literary figures. Patronage tradition promoted the progress of literary activities in the circles. With regard to their significant contribution to the Ottoman culture and civilization, literature circles emerged at the patronage of Sultan III. Ahmed, Sultan III. Selim, Sadrazam Nevşehirli Damad İbrahim Paşa, Sadrazam Koca Râgıb Paşa, Hoca Neş’et Efendi, Şeyh Gâlib, Hoca Süleyman Vahyî. Therefore, it is essential to study these circles in terms of its importance as being home to important literary figures with a sophisticated sense of art.