CIZRI, MELAYE

(c. 1570-c. 1640)

   Melaye Cizri (also known as Sheikh Ahmed Nisani) is considered by some the most famous early Kurdish poet. His Diwan (collected works) of more than 2,000 verses is an example of Persian sufism and remains much admired by sheikhs and mullas. Mir Mihemed of Mukis, surnamed Feqiye Tey-ran, was a disciple of Melaye Cizri. He wrote an elegy on the death of his mentor, as well as several other works, such as the History of Sheikh Sanan.

   See also Literature.