müstezads

Müstezad is a form of Ottoman Turkish poetry that translates to "increased" or "added to." It is a variant of the classical ghazal, distinguished by the interpolation of shorter verses, often couplets or single lines, between the main couplets of the ghazal. These added verses, known as "zadd" or "müzeyyel," serve to elaborate, comment upon, or provide a contrasting perspective to the preceding couplet.

The structure of a müstezad typically involves a main ghazal with a rhyming scheme of aa, ba, ca, da, etc., and the interpolated verses follow a different, often simpler, rhyme scheme. The purpose of these added lines is to enhance the emotional impact or intellectual depth of the poem. They can offer a more personal reflection, a moral lesson, or a vivid imagery that complements the themes established in the original ghazal couplets.

Müstezad gained popularity during the 16th century and was practiced by many prominent Ottoman poets, including Baki and Fuzûlî. While it allowed for greater expressive freedom, the effectiveness of a müstezad depended heavily on the poet's skill in seamlessly integrating the added verses without disrupting the flow or coherence of the original ghazal. The form gradually declined in popularity after the 17th century, with poets preferring the purity of the classical ghazal.