The Sin, Evil, Ugliness and Horror of Blue: Blue Eyes in 14th-15th Century Divan Poetry

Abstract

In Turkish poetic and prose works written during the 14th and 15th centuries, the blue eye color was synonymous with danger, hatred, repulsion and wickedness, both in this world and in the afterlife. According to some stories and texts, blue eyes, which the Turks accepted as sacred, chosen, and superior in pre-Islamic times, became associated with liars, sinners, terrifying, wicked, and ruthless people and beings in Turkish poetic and prose works written in and outside of Anatolia during the 14th and 15th centuries. This article traces the use of blue eyes in 14th and 15th century Divan poetry. First, the works that depict blueeyed wicked, terrifying, ruthless, ugly, and deceitful characters and beings are identified. Later, the reason behind this notable negative attitude towards blue eyes is explored and revealed by examining its origins.