Ersoy, Mehmed Akif
Ersoy, Mehmed Akif (1873 – 1936) was a prominent Turkish Islamist poet, scholar, and intellectual whose works hold significant influence in both Turkish literature and the broader Islamic literary tradition. He was a gifted linguist skilled in Turkish, Arabic, Persian, and French languages. Ersoy’s “Independence March” was adopted as the Turkish national anthem in 1921, reflecting his deep commitment to national and Islamic ideals.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: محمد عاكف أرصوي (Muhammad ʿĀkif Arṣūwī)
- Turkish: Mehmed Akif Ersoy
Legacy and Significance
Ersoy’s poetry functioned as social commentary, promulgating his vision for an Islamic society grounded in faith, ethics, and communal welfare. His literary works reflect his aspiration for a moral and just society, and he often critiqued the societal deviations that he perceived with the emergence of modernity. Notably, his disappointment with the secular direction of the Turkish Republic led him to relocate to Egypt later in his life.
Major Works
“Independence March” (İstiklâl Marşı)
Ersoy’s most celebrated work is the “Independence March” (İstiklâl Marşı), which was officially adopted as the Turkish national anthem in 1921. This poem embodies the spirit of the Turkish War of Independence and exhibits themes of patriotism fused with Islamic devotion.
Safahat
His magnum opus Safahat is a collection of poems composed in seven books between 1911 and 1933. These poems traverse a wide range of themes such as faith, nationalism, social justice, and individual morality. The work is highly regarded for its poetic excellence and insightful portrayal of societal issues.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Islam and Modernism in Turkey” by Sukran Vahide - Discusses key intellectual figures, including Mehmed Akif Ersoy, involved with the intersection of Islam and modernism.
- “The Making of Modern Turkey” by Feroz Ahmad - Provides historical context to understand the transitional period during which Ersoy lived and worked.
- “The Piety of Learning: Islamic Pedagory, Maternalization and Belief in Contemporary Turkey” by Hilal Alkan - Offers insights into Turkish Islamist thought, including the contributions of Ersoy.
Takeaways
- Mehmed Akif Ersoy is recognized for intertwining his intense patriotic feelings with his unwavering Islamic principles.
- His “Independence March” remains a powerful symbol of Turkish national identity.
- Ersoy’s disappointment with secularism in Turkey led to his migration to Egypt, emphasizing his ideological opposition to modern secularism.
Conclusion
Mehmed Akif Ersoy remains a towering figure in the study of Turkish literature and Islamic thought. His works reflect the cultural and intellectual crosscurrents of his era, embodying a deep sense of ethical responsibility and social commitment. By understanding Ersoy’s life and writings, one gains invaluable insight into the complex interplay of faith, nationalism, and modernity in early 20th-century Turkey.
