Rewani Biography | Poet

Rewani, (c.1475 - 1524), Ilyas Shudja Celebi, was an Ottoman poet. Born in Edirne the son of 'Abd Allah, he was employed by Bayezid II as administrator of the surre ; money for the poor in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. After being accused of embezzling, he was promptly dismissed. He found service with Prince Selim, Bayezid's son, in Trabzon Province. Yet again, he fell into disfavor through some indiscretion, but was forgiven by Prince Selim. Following Selim's overthrow of Bayezid II, Rewani became superintendent of the kitchen(matbakh emini ) and later entrusted with the administration of the Hagia Sofia. Yet, during his lifetime, Rewani was accused of peculation and plagiarism.