THE REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN’S ROLES IN THE LYRICS OF COMPOSITIONS BY SELIM III: A THEMATIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study investigates the themes through which female roles are represented in the lyrics of compositions by Selim III. A qualitative research design was employed, using the document analysis technique. The data were obtained from the “Notam” program developed by Aytac Ergen, and the works composed by Selim III—whose lyrics were accessible—were analyzed using content analysis. The study explores how female are represented in these works and examines the themes related to femininity. These themes are described and illustrated with direct quotations from the relevant lines of the lyrics. In Selim III’s vocal compositions, female are predominantly portrayed through attributes such as physical beauty, youth, freshness, allure, and charm; they are depicted as objects of love, coquettish figures, sources of both suffering and torment, as well as providers of peace and pleasure. The most prominent motifs are those emphasizing female physical beauty and captivating charm. An analysis of the compositions in terms of form, usûl, and makam reveals considerable variety. While the şarkı form stands out as the most preferred form, different forms such as yürük semai, Ağır semai, kâr, beste and köçekçe are also included. The diversity of usûl and makam demonstrates the rich rhythmic and modal range of these works. According to the research findings, in the lyrics of Sultan Selim III’s compositions, women are portrayed not only as possessing aesthetic value but also richly reflected through their emotional and social characteristics. As a result, the representation of women in the lyrics emerges as a figure that stands out with her beauty as the subject of love, sometimes acts coy or makes the lover suffer, and takes on various roles with her different characteristics.