THEMES, IMAGERY, AND IDEOLOGICAL–ARTISTIC FEATURES OF ATOI’S POETRY

Abstract

This article explores the thematic range, system of imagery, and ideological–artistic features of the poetry of Atoi, a prominent fifteenth-century Turkic poet. The study focuses on Atoi’s lyrical ghazals, in which love (ʿishq) functions as the central aesthetic and philosophical category. Particular attention is paid to the interaction between metaphorical (worldly) and divine (Sufi) love, revealing how traditional imagery serves as a medium for expressing mystical concepts. Through close textual analysis, the article demonstrates that Atoi’s poetic discourse integrates classical metaphors, symbolic geography, and prosodic features to articulate ethical, spiritual, and aesthetic values. The findings suggest that Atoi occupies a significant position in the development of Turkic classical lyric poetry, contributing to the enrichment of both poetic form and Sufi symbolism.