An Ottoman intellectual who lived during the reign of Murad II
(r.1421-1451). He was born in Manyas where his father served as judge. He grew up in Skopje and completed his education
here, as well as some of his works. He later moved to Edirne, where he taught at various madrasa. He died
in Edirne. His dates of birth and
death are unknown.Maḥmūd b. Kadī-i
Manyas was versed in the Islamic sciences and had a keen interest in
occult sciences. He was fluent in Arabic and Persian, and composed poetry in both
languages, as well as in Turkish.
Muhammed bin Kādı̂-i Meynâs, active 15th century
Manuscripts by this author
Aʿcebü’l-ʿacāyib
The alternative title of Aʿcebü’l-ʿucāb appears more commonly in the manuscripts, although
secondary sources prefer the title of Aʿcebü’l-ʿacāyib. This prose work consists of eleven
chapters, concerning the following subjects: Chapter 1 and 2: Matters of religious
law; Chapter 3: Mathematical calculations (This chapter is considered as the first
Ottoman arithmetics book); Chapter 4: Different types of mathematical calculation;
Chapter 5: The benefits of minerals and animal foods; Chapter 6: Compounds made of
plants and animal products as well as their secrets; Chapter 7: Astronomical and
astrological calculations; Chapter 8: Virtues of the Surahs in the Qur’an; Chapter
9: Prayer; Chapter 10: The most beautiful names of God; Chapter 11: The secrets of
letters Show more
After deciding not to complete the large scale poetry and prose translation of
Saʿdī’s Gulistān, Maḥmūd completed an abridged prose translation, where he shortened and
skipped certain parts. Show more
