Nature, with its rich array of elements, has captivated the attention of classical Turkish poets. The garden and trees, as integral components of nature, frequently appear in the couplets of these poets. In classical Turkish literature, nature, particularly trees, is often imbued with symbolic meanings and utilized as a significant element. Trees serve as an aesthetic object, a symbol of divine and spiritual journeys, a representation of the gardens of paradise, the cycle of life, and the elegance and nobility of the beloved. Poets have associated the physical characteristics of trees, such as the places where they grow, with the archetypes of lovers and beloveds, attributing various symbolic meanings to them. When discussing trees both literally and metaphorically, poets have approached the subject within the framework of the classical Turkish poetry tradition. This study, limited to the divans of Bâkî and Şeyhülislam Yahya Efendi, compares the poets’ use of trees, highlighting their similarities and differences. The motif of trees is examined through aspects such as the shadow, height, leaves, branches, and associated elements like water, wind, and birds. The research also includes tree-related terms like ”sapling.” The study interprets the poets’ connections to trees through idioms and expressions they employ. By exploring the symbolic and literal meanings attributed to trees, this study aims to demonstrate the poets’ close relationship with nature.

Classical Turkish poetry, Bâkî, Ş. Yahya, nature, tree.