James Cummins Bookseller

[Istanbul: Matbaa-i Amire, A.H. 1276 = 1859 C.E.].

Price: $2,250.00

About the item

First edition. 34 (index), [2, blank], 503, [1, blank] pp. 1 vols. 8vo. Later quarter black leather and cloth sides. Ink stamp of Matbaa-i Amire on p. [1]. traces of dampstaining at head throughout, minor paper flaws to top gutter of first 8 leaves, not effecting legibility. Very good. OCLC records fewer than 20 locations.

Item #371636

Hafız Hızır İlyas’ only known work, Vekâyi-i Letâ’if-i Enderûniyye — commonly referred to as Târîh-i Enderûn — is a primary source on Ottoman palace life, detailing events, honors, and ceremonies from his tenure in Enderun, the Imperial Ottoman palace school and court, particularly during the reign of Mahmud II. The text captures vivid accounts of court ceremonies, social gatherings, and intricate relations among palace officials. It includes personal reflections, noting family dynamics, rivalries, and the aspirations of those within the Ottoman court. The work also serves as a rare literary and historical bridge to the late period of Ottoman divan literature, providing glimpses into the lives and works of notable poets and scholars of the time.