The minstrel literature was reconstructed with the formal and thematic efficiency of dervish lodge literature which was formed post-Islam and poet-bakshy tradition of pre-Islam era. The minstrel literature had an independent socio-cultural aspect in 16th century, and it raised some important representatives since then. One of the representatives of this literal tradition that grew and became rich in time, was Naili (Mustafa/ 1865-1936). Naili was born in Ilgaz, Çankırı, he was educated in medrese for a while and then he met some important minstrels of that time and he preferred to follow them. Naili had his life in Çankırı and Kastamonu which were the centres of the minstrel literature that time, and he became the apprentice of Kastamonulu Kemali and Geredeli Figani. The poet was raised in the tradition of folk-literature, and he wrote his poems in not only syllabic meter but also aruz prosody, he used the divan literature components successfully in his poems. Naili, who performed his art by being a troubadour with his instrument, compiled his, other minstrels’ and divan poets’ poems into a journal. This study, which informs about Naili’s life, his literal personality and his journal, consists of three parts. In the first part, his literal personality is reviewed in the light of both resources and his third-generation grandchild Mehmet Kayılı by looking over his life and poems. In the second part, his journal is introduced. And in the final part, some of the poems of Naili is disseminated by transcription.

Divan literature, 19th century minstrel literature, Naili, tradition of minstrel, journal.