Gelibolulu Mustafa Âlî ve Kavâ‘idü’l-Mecâlis

Mustafa Âlî of Gelibolu, who lived in the 16th century, provides information about Ottoman society in his work titled Kavâ‘idü’l-Mecâlis. In the third chapter of the work, titled Kâ‘ide-i Asnâf-ı Cem‘ıyyethâ, it is described how various social groups would occasionally or regularly organize gatherings under names such as “Lütuf Meclisi,” “Gezek Sohbet,” “Zürefâ (Zarifler) Society,” “Kuyruk Sohbet,” and “Sıra Sohbet.” He draws attention to an important feature of these gatherings, stating that one “should take delight in hospitality with wisdom,” while staying away from corrupt and wicked circles. In the ninth chapter of his work, Âlî expresses his views on how members of various professions and those serving in government positions could live together under one roof in 16th-century Ottoman society; in the tenth chapter, he offers insightful advice related to the work’s overarching theme of social life. The work provides information on the characteristics of these homes and social gatherings organized in Ottoman social life. The author also critiques the undesirable aspects of these gatherings, addressing them through various examples. The work Kavâ‘idü’l-Mecâlis by Gelibolulu Mustafa Âlî, prepared by Prof. Dr. Mehmet Şeker, is an important source in the field of Ottoman social life. The work has been published for the first time using the modern Turkish alphabet.