Âşık Şem’î

 Âşık Şem’î

Âşık Şem’î, born in 1198 (1783), is the most famous among Konya's âşıks. At a young age, he was apprenticed to a halva maker. There, he developed his manners and skills, becoming a skilled master. During this time, with his mastery of language, ability as an âşık, and his love for poetry, he joined the âşık gatherings. In the poetry valley, which is the art of measured speech, he achieved great success on the path of becoming a poet... Both during his lifetime and after his death, his poems and poetry gained fame. Although he was said to be illiterate, meaning unlettered, the poet had an open heart's eye (vehbî) and possessed knowledge, culture, and maturity to the extent that he could converse with scholars. They say that there was not an âşık who did not know him in Anatolia and in the city of Istanbul, which was a center of knowledge and civilization.

Şem’î had a cheerful nature and didn't give much importance to appearance and clothing. He lived a dervish-like life. He was a person who had no interest in material possessions, lived a comfortable life according to his own desires, and wore the attire of a dervish. He was witty, humorous, and well-liked. It is said that he would greet and engage in playful banter with those he met, asking about their well-being and showing courtesy and a smiling face to people, considering it his duty. He was sincere and genuine with his friends. While conversing with his friends, he would not hesitate to use warm and enchanting words from his divan, to win hearts and establish a connection.

It is said that he visited Istanbul several times. On one of his recent travels, he went to a coffeehouse in the Grand Bazaar, dressed as a Anatolian traveler, with a pleasant fez and a caftan adorned in Eastern style. He sat down without introducing himself and began listening to the âşıks in this cozy corner where poetry, words, and the essence of the East were enjoyed. One of the âşıks in the gathering was reciting a koşma by a poet using the pen name Şemi. The great âşık, taking natural pleasure in hearing his own poem, did not make a sound at first, then stood up. Without disrespecting the âşıks:

"For God's sake, give me that saz and let me play as well," he requested permission. In other words, he asked for their consent. The âşıks in the coffeehouse laughed at him. His master disdained him and mocked him, saying:

"They say hitting the head of a goat that hasn't eaten the grass." Şem’î did not pay attention to their attitude and, with the courtesy and courage of a refined Anatolian, took the saz and started playing and singing with the confidence of a skilled poet. The âşıks, filled with delight, were captivated and overwhelmed by the weight of their mistake. Eventually, they acknowledged their errors. Şem’î, without taking offense, simply introduced himself, or rather, that was enough for him.

Eventually, Şem’î's mastery in music and poetry reached the palace. In a gathering held in the presence of the Sultan and the caliph, Şem’î showcased his talent through his recitations. He was highly appreciated by the Sultan. He was offered to stay in Istanbul. Şem’î expressed his gratitude and declined to stay in the capital. Refusing to stay in Constantinople, he chose to return to his homeland. According to the expression of the old, he was "sent to Konya by being entrusted with the title of çarşı ağalığı," which means he was given the title of the bazaar lord and sent to Konya.

Upon returning to Konya, he held an important position. He was responsible for all the tradesmen in the bazaar. Artists were obliged to act under his orders and supervision. His leadership and position as the bazaar lord lasted for a long time. Finally, realizing that the time of his departure to the afterlife was approaching, he said, "I will rest my mold." He chose the place where he would be buried. As a final statement, he recited a koşma:

"Come, you unfaithful one, let's bid farewell, Şem’î has drunk the cup of destiny and is departing." After reciting these verses, he was not granted the opportunity to recite any other poem. In 1255 (1839), at the age of 57, Şem’î, whose heart and soul were known for their beauty, passed away in Konya, the abode of noble and delicate hearts. His modest grave, commissioned by Zekai Efendi, the former muazzin of Kapu Mosque, known for his beautiful voice and heart, is located next to the tomb of Mevlânâ, on the pavement.

Outside the walls of the Üçler Cemetery of the Mevlâna Museum, the solitary grave standing at the edge of the pavement catches the attention of passersby. It is the grave of Âşık Şem’î, who lived in Konya between 1783 and 1840. His real name is Ahmet, but he used the pen name "Şem’î" in his divan, as stated in the last quatrain of his 119th poem:

"My pen name is Şem’î, my homeland is Konya,

The love-stricken nightingale does not enter our garden.

I am found on a solitary corner of the desert,

No one knows how beautiful I am, alas."

The Arabic-origin word "şem" means "candle" in the ancient language. It was used in poetry and songs, emphasizing its meaning as "burning from within" and "radiating light around."

Âşık Şem’î has a divan consisting of 158 beautiful and meaningful poems. It is known that he was a close friend of Âşık Dertli.