Support the Poetry Chaikhana
|
| Donations to the Poetry Chaikhana in any amount are always welcome. Thank you! |
|
|
|
A small amount each month makes a big difference. Become a voluntary Subscriber for just $2/mo. |
|
|
Help the Poetry Chaikhana reach more people. Become a Supporter for just $10/mo. |
|
Muhammad Niyazi al-Misri was born in Malatya, Turkey, to a devout family. His father was a sheikh of the Naqshbandi Sufis.
In his early twenties, Misri began a spiritual search of his own, traveling quite a bit, and spending three years in Egypt. Following the guidance of his dreams, he returned to his homeland in the Ottoman Empire and became a disciple of the Sufi poet-saint Ummi Sinan of the Helveti Sufi order.
Niyazi Misri married three times and supported himself by working as a candle maker.
In the mid-1600, Niyazi Misri became the spiritual leader of the Istanbul Tekke (or lodge) of the Helveti Sufis, and established another tekke in Bursa.
He was exiled from the region several times, accused of unorthodox practices and for his outspoken criticism of political corruption. With each exile, however, it seems he became even more popular with the general population, who pressured government officials for his return.
He was finally poisoned by his enemies. His poems and songs continue to be recited in Sufi tekkes to this day.
|
