Yunus Emre was a Turkish folk poet and Sufi mystic who lived in Anatolia in the 13th and early 14th centuries. Writing in the simple, everyday Turkish of ordinary people rather than the formal Persian or Arabic of the courts, he became one of the founding voices of Turkish literature.

His poems speak of divine love, humility, tolerance and the unity of all people, and they are still recited and set to music in Turkey today. UNESCO marked the 750th anniversary of his birth in 1991. His quotes are gentle reflections on love and the heart.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Yunus Emre and these famous quotes.

Who was Yunus Emre?

Yunus Emre was a 13th-century Turkish poet and Sufi mystic, considered one of the most important figures in Turkish literature.

What did Yunus Emre write about?

His poetry focuses on divine love, humility, tolerance and the oneness of humanity.

Why is Yunus Emre important to the Turkish language?

He wrote in plain, spoken Turkish, helping to establish Turkish as a literary language.

What is Yunus Emre's most famous quote?

A well-loved line is "A heart makes a good home for the friend."