Social life refers to the entirety of cultural, spiritual, and social practices that shape individuals daily lives. In Ottoman society, these elements are strongly represented not only in historical documents but also in the divans of poets. Divan poetry not only reveals the aesthetic dimension of classical Turkish literature but also serves as a historical document by offering detailed observations on the cultural structure of the period. Many elements, from food and drink culture to clothing, entertainment and games, customs and beliefs were reflected in the poets world of feelings and thoughts; they became part of the social memory through couplets. In this context, divans are indispensable sources for understanding Ottoman culture, making sense of the social structure, and establishing connections with the modern era. The study of social life in the field of classical Turkish literature aims to reveal not only the literary value of the texts but also their sociocultural context. This study examines the Divan of Kara Fazlî, one of the important poets of the 16th century. The analysis reveals that the divan contains many sociocultural elements, ranging from the religious beliefs of society to its daily habits. The identified customs, beliefs and practices have been classified under three main headings and presented to the reader’s attention, supported by selected examples of couplets.

Classical Turkish poetry, Kara Fazlî, social life, XVI. century.