Text Editions of Ottoman Song Text Collections
Ottoman song text collections (güfte mecmuaları) occupy a unique position at the intersection of literary culture, manuscript production, and musical performance. In this workshop, we will introduce the workflows and methodological challenges involved in producing critical text editions of Ottoman song text collections.
Beginning with the examination of relevant manuscripts in the CMO corpus, the majority of which are from the nineteenth century, participants will compare different manuscript versions and identify text variants. They will then apply the conventions of the critical apparatus in practice, working through the process of producing a critical text edition step by step. Special attention will be given to the distinctive characteristics of this manuscript tradition, including section headings and performance-related markers, and to the editorial decisions involved in handling them. We will also discuss broader research questions that arise from these manuscripts: questions of ownership and circulation, and what comparative perspectives, including Turkish across different script traditions, can reveal about shared or distinct literary practices.
By the end of the workshop, participants will have gained experience in producing a critical text edition, including manuscript comparison, the preparation of a critical apparatus, and the editorial decision-making processes. They will also gain an understanding of how these sources are situated within and contribute to a long-term critical editing project such as the CMO.
The workshop will cover the following topics:
- Codicological features of Ottoman song text collections
- Manuscript comparison and the identification of variants
- Preparing and presenting a critical apparatus
- Editorial decision-making for performance-related markers and section headings
- Comparative perspectives on Ottoman literary and manuscript traditions
The workshop is aimed at participants in Ottoman studies, literature, and related fields, and will be conducted in English.
Applicants should have experience in one or more of the following:
- Familiarity with the codicological features specific to Ottoman manuscripts
- Familiarity with the Ottoman poetic tradition
- Prior experience with critical editions or knowledge of their basic principles
- Reading knowledge of Ottoman Turkish
- Proficiency in Arabic, Persian, Armenian, or Greek is equally welcome