The Use of Imprecation and its Psychological Motivations in Nefi’s Poetry

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to examine the use of imprecation in Nefi's poetry and its underlying psychological motivations.

Methods: Employing a descriptive approach, this study focuses on Nefi's utilization of imprecation in his poetry. Examples are gathered from his diwan and his book titled “Sihaami Kadaa,” and they were categorized based on the targeted curses, translated into Arabic and analyzed using psychological principles to elucidate the poet's intentions.

Results: The study identifies three main psychological motivations for invoking curses: compensating for inadequacy, inflating the ego, and releasing negative emotions. Nefi's prayers against government figures expressed his anger and protested the injustice he experienced. They also compensated for his inability to attain his rightful position. Similarly, his curses against rivals with connections to officials served as an outlet for his hatred. Furthermore, his curses against fate allowed him to vent negative emotions and conflicts related to his belief in fate's role in his suffering and that of others.

Conclusions: Nefi, a 17th-century poet, excelled in praise and pride poetry. He became the foremost satirist in classical Turkish literature, employing imprecation (Bad Duaa) to curse enemies, adversaries, loved ones, himself, and even celestial beings.