The Poet Nabi's Poem from the Minaret

Nâbî, whose real name is Yûsuf, is an Ottoman divan poet; he was born in 1052 AH (1642 AD) in Ruha (Şanlıurfa). He is considered one of the greatest poets of Ottoman literature, known for his didactic poetry and social satire. In 1089 AH (1678 AD), Nâbî set out on a pilgrimage with the governor of Mosul, Mustafa Pasha, and the poems he wrote during this journey are compiled in his work titled "Tuhfetü'l-Haremeyn." During his visit to Medina, he wrote his famous ode expressing his deep admiration for the Prophet and the holy place. The prominent verses in this ode are: "Do not abandon etiquette; this is the neighborhood of God's beloved, This is the focal point of divine gaze, the مقام of Mustafa. Enter this lodge, Nâbî, with the condition of etiquette, This is the place where angels perform tawaf, where prophets roam." (Meaning: Avoid abandoning etiquette; this is the neighborhood of God's beloved. This is the focal point of divine gaze, the مقام of Mustafa. O Nâbî! Enter this lodge with the condition of etiquette; this is the place where angels perform tawaf, where prophets roam.) This poem is one of the most delicate and profound examples of Ottoman literature that expresses the love for Medina and the Prophet Muhammad. [Source: TDV Islamic Encyclopedia, "Nâbî" article, islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/nabi; "Tuhfetü'l-Haremeyn" article]