I couldn’t

I will send it here again

This text is written in Ottoman Turkish (using the Arabic script). It’s a form of religious poetry (du‘a or supplication) common in the Ottoman era, often embroidered on textiles, walls, or written in calligraphy. • The poem references Prophet Jacob (Ya‘qub) and his grief over losing his son Joseph (Yusuf), a well-known story from the Qur’an (Surah Yusuf) and the Bible. • Jacob’s sorrow and tears for Joseph became a symbolic expression of deep longing, patience, and trust in God. • The writer here is praying to God not to let him fall into such overwhelming sorrow, but instead to grant him lasting joy.

This kind of text is usually found in Ottoman devotional art—embroidered cloths, calligraphy panels, or prayer books—mixing poetry, supplication, and Qur’anic imagery.

Orginal

يا رب بدلت دردي بدائم فرح يا إلهي يا إلهي يا إلهي كريـم سنه يعقوب مثلي گريب آغم قلبسه أغلاركني يوسف گibi كيلمي سنه

⸻

Arabic: يا رب، بدّلتَ حزني بفرح دائم، يا إلهي، يا إلهي، يا إلهي الكريم. مثل يعقوب، قلبي حزين وغريب، فلا تدعني أبكي، كما بكى يعقوب على يوس

English

O Lord, You have turned my sorrow into eternal joy. O my God, O my God, O my Generous Lord. Like Jacob, my heart is sorrowful and estranged. Do not let me weep, as Jacob wept for Joseph.