Nietzsche chose philosophy after failure in Turkish poetry, expert claims

ISTANBUL – Anadolu Agency

An Ottoman poetry expert has claimed that German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche only chose to focus on philosophy after failing in his bid to become an Ottoman poetry-inspired writer. 

Hayati İnanç, who is well-known in Turkey as an expert on classical Turkish poetry, said Nietzsche came to the conclusion that he could not become a poet after studying two 17th century Turkish poets Naili and Abi.

“Nietzsche studied two great Turkish poets, Naili and Abi. He then concluded that he could not become a poet and was obliged to become a philosopher instead,” İnanç said.

“So we can almost say that what made Nietzsche a philosopher was Ottoman poetry,” he added.

İnanç also claimed that Nietzsche said the Ottomans were closest to “the center of truth” and praised Ottoman poetry as “unique.”