ABSTRACT
If Ottoman poetic practice is one circumscribed by a host of precursors, the surest way to determine a poet's influences is to identify those works he chose as his models. For a poet like Zati trying to solidify his own standing, the need to surpass the "king" is obvious. But beyond both poets' use of colloquialisms, their actual styles seem to have little else in common. Zati was indeed acquainted with an array of poets, some better known and others lesser. He composed verses mocking Mihri Hatun, a rare poetess who achieved acclaim under Bayezid II. Zati too made the most of vernacular elements to create fresh metaphors and turns of thought in his gazels, to set himself apart as a poet. But it is clear that in doing so Zati was not unique, nor did he stylistically stand out in comparison to his peers.
