Bitig Edebiyat Fakültesi Dergisi

Abstract

This study examines the plant names mentioned in Tuhfetü’s-Seniyye, a 16th-century dictionary written by Deşîşî Mehmed Efendi, and their use in folk medicine. Tuhfetü’s-Seniyye is not merely a Persian-Turkish dictionary; it is also a significant work reflecting the cultural, scientific, and medical knowledge of its time. While providing Turkish equivalents for Persian words, the dictionary covers a wide range of topics, including astronomy, botany, traditional medicine, and folk beliefs. This study presents the plant names in alphabetical order and explores their medicinal properties and role in folk medicine. From a historical perspective, Turkish medicine has evolved from its roots in Central Asia to the Ottoman Empire and modern Turkey. In its early phases, Turkish medicine was influenced by Shamanism, where shamans used herbal remedies, prayers, and rituals to treat illnesses. With the adoption of Islam, medical advancements accelerated, and Turkish scholars benefited from the scientific and medical knowledge of the Islamic world. During the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, hospitals (bimarhanes) were established, medical education was institutionalized through madrasas, and physicians studied the works of prominent Islamic scholars such as Avicenna and Rhazes. Beginning in the 13th century, medical literature in Anatolia expanded through translations from Arabic and Persian, and by the 14th century, original Turkish medical works began to emerge. By the 15th century, the number of Turkish medical books had increased significantly, contributing to the systematic development of medical knowledge. Tuhfetü’s-Seniyye serves as an important source for understanding folk medicine practices of the period. The plant names recorded in the dictionary shed light on both traditional remedies used by common people and the herbal treatments employed by physicians of the time. The work provides detailed information on the medicinal, antidotal, and dietary uses of various plants, offering insights into how these plants were named and applied across different cultures. In conclusion, Tuhfetü’s-Seniyye is not only a linguistic resource but also a valuable reference for folk medicine and botanical knowledge. This study contributes to understanding the medical practices of the Ottoman period and the role of plants in traditional healing methods.