1. Tevfik Fikret was the pseudonym of Mehmed Tevfik, an Ottoman educator and poet, who is considered the founder of the modern school of Turkish poetry.
10 Facts About Tevfik Fikret
1. 2.
Mehmed Tevfik was born in Istanbul on December 24,1867.
3.
Tevfik Fikret received his education at the prestigious Galatasaray High School and graduated in 1888 as the valedictorian with the highest grades.
4.
Tevfik Fikret left Galatasaray in 1894 and started teaching at another prestigious institution on the Bosphorus, Robert College, in 1896, where he kept working until his death.
5.
Tevfik Fikret continued his contributions to Servet-i Funun until 1901, when his works were banned by the Ottoman government.
6.
Tevfik Fikret had projects for a new school and magazines due to complications from diabetes he refused to treat, he died in 1915 and was buried in the family plot at Eyup.
7.
Tevfik Fikret is recognized as an advocate for free speech and constitutional government.
8.
Tevfik Fikret's works were censored by the Ottoman government in 1901.
9.
Tevfik Fikret was critical of Islamic conservatism and nationalism, writing "My patrie [fatherland] is the world and my nation is humanity".
10.
Tevfik Fikret is considered the father of modern Turkish poetry, emphasizing literary skill and knowledge over divine inspiration.