Background for divans

divans

/dɪˈvænz/ /dəˈvænz/

Illustration divans - Image 1

noun

A Muslim council of state, specifically that of viziers of the Ottoman Empire that discussed and recommended new laws and law changes to a higher authority (the sultan).

Examples :

"In history class, we learned that Ottoman sultans relied on the advice of their divans to govern the empire effectively, considering their recommendations for new laws. "

politics government history state royal law organization

Illustration divans - Image 1

noun

The council chamber where this court is held; (by extension), any court of justice.

Examples :

""The judge entered the divans to begin the trial." "

government law politics building

Illustration divans - Image 1

noun

Any council or assembly.

Examples :

"The Sultan often sought advice from the divans of wise men before making important decisions. "

politics government organization

Illustration divans - Image 1

noun

A couch- or sofa-like piece of furniture made of a mattress lying against the wall and either on the floor or an elevated structure.

Examples :

"After a long day, she loved to relax on the comfortable divans in the living room, reading a book. "

property architecture style item building

Illustration divans - Image 1

noun

A smoking-room.

Examples :

"After dinner, the men retired to the divans for cigars and conversation. "

architecture building

Illustration divans - Image 1

noun

A collection of poems, especially one written by one author in Arabic or Persian.

Examples :

""The professor specializing in Persian literature recommended several divans for our research on classical poetry." "

literature language writing culture