Vekāʼiʻ-i Leṭāʼif-i Enderūniyye [Tarih-i Enderun]

[Istanbul: Matbaa-i Amire, 1859. First edition. 34 (index), [2, blank], 503, [1, blank] pp. 1 vols. 8vo. Quarter brown leather and marbled boards. Ink stamp of Matbaa-i Amire on p. [1]. A bit rubbed, text clean (a few stamps of the American Research Institute in Turkey) in text margins). Very good. First edition. 34 (index), [2, blank], 503, [1, blank] pp. 1 vols. 8vo. Hafız Hızır İlyas’ only known work, Vekâyi-i Letâ’if-i Enderûniyye — commonly referred to as Târîh-i Enderûn — is a primary source on Ottoman palace life, detailing events, honors, and ceremonies from his tenure in Enderun, the Imperial Ottoman palace school and court, particularly during the reign of Mahmud II. The text captures vivid accounts of court ceremonies, social gatherings, and intricate relations among palace officials. It includes personal reflections, noting family dynamics, rivalries, and the aspirations of those within the Ottoman court. The work also serves as a rare literary and historical bridge to the late period of Ottoman divan literature, providing glimpses into the lives and works of notable poets and scholars of the time. OCLC records fewer than 20 locations (Inventory #: 371076)