The impact of Kerbela event on literature and other arts

Abstract

The commemoration of 10 Muharrem, the day when Hz. Hussein was martyrized, of this painful event and its consideration as a mourning day, with the passing of time, brought the richness of customs, traditions and practices related to it.
At the time of the rule of Byvejhinjve, who ruled in the outskirts of Baghdad in the XI-th century, began to be commemorated the Martyrdom of Hz. Hussein, with ceremonies that resemble the ceremonies of Mevlud nowadays. Even Mevlana (Rumiu) in his Mesnevi, shows that among the Arabs, there were organized such ceremonies so similar to it.
As it is known, this painful event got stem from claims of Jezid, who turned the Caliphate to monarchy, hereditary by his father that Hz. Hussein to be submitted violently. Hz. Hussein, who preferred a life away from the political confusion and did not submit to Jezid, since he lead and behaved contrary to Islam, after the insistence of Kufe residents who wanted him to be the caliph, departed from Medina to Kufe.
But, he was obliged to stop in Kerbela, where he was prohibited to use the Euphrates water. With no other option, except war or submission, he was obliged to fight.
After the Martyrdom of 71 people, among whom there were also members of the Ehl-i Bjetit (the family of the honored Prophet p.b.u.h.), Hz. Hussein was martyrized, by cutting his head with a stroke from the sword of Sinan Bin El-Nehaiu.
This painful event deeply touched all the Muslims and the pain has increased through centuries to the present times. It was impossible that such an event, which had historical and social consequences and being so moving, not to have had an impact on literature and fine arts.
The event of Kerbela has left traces in the Turkish language. With the comparisons and idioms, which bring us in mind: Kerbela, coming as a sign / indication of drought, is used as a comparison to countries where there is no water? For this comparison it is used the phrase “Kerbela’ya dönmek” (It happened in Kerbala). While Jezid, who became the cause of this event, was taken as a bad example for comparison. The event is meant by terms like “seni Yezid seni” (ah, Jezid!), or “Yezid tohumu” (Jezidi seed) used for people who do wrong to others.
Alongside with the popular tradition, this painful event has also been reflected in the various arts. Tazijes or Shebehs, developed in memory of the event of Kerbela, are a type of theatrical work that makes the unique kind of Islamic drama.
While hysejnijes and tekkets that were built in Iran for their staging are part of impact of the event in the architectural aspect. Among the fine arts, the area that was mostly influenced by the events of Kerbela, is literature.
Finally, the event of Kerbela is a painful event that continues to sadden all the Muslims.