Fuzuli (Fuḍūlī, 888–963/1483–1556) was the pen name of Mehmed b. Süleyman (Meḥmed b. Süleymān), an illustrious lyric poet and author of Azeri literature, with as revered a place in Ottoman literature. Since the sources refer to him as Fuzuli of Baghdad (Fuḍūlī-yi Baghdādī), it is surmised that he was born in Baghdad or its environs. Some accounts also report his birthplace as Najaf, Ḥilla, or Karbalā (Mazıoğlu, 9–54). Recent studies confirm that he was born in 888/1483.

Fuzuli lived under the administrations of various states that ruled Baghdad and its vicinity. His yout…