Search the Design+Encyclopedia:

Divan


From Design+Encyclopedia, the free encyclopedia on good design, art, architecture, creativity, engineering and innovation.
254149
Divan

A divan is a type of furniture that has been used for centuries across many cultures and regions of the world. Its origins can be traced back to the Middle East, where it was used as a place for people to sit and socialize. Over time, the divan has evolved into many different forms and styles, but its basic function remains the same: to provide a comfortable place to sit or recline. One interesting aspect of the divan is its role in Islamic culture. In many Muslim countries, the divan is a symbol of hospitality and generosity. It is often placed in the center of a room, where guests can sit and relax while enjoying refreshments and conversation. In some cases, the divan is even used as a bed for overnight guests. Another important aspect of the divan is its design. Many divans are low to the ground and feature a large, cushioned platform that can be used as a seat or a bed. Some divans also have armrests or headrests, while others are more minimalistic in design. The materials used to make divans can vary widely, from traditional textiles like silk and velvet to more modern materials like leather and synthetic fabrics. Despite its long history and many variations, the divan remains a popular piece of furniture in many parts of the world. Whether used as a place to sit and socialize or as a comfortable spot to relax and unwind, the divan continues to be a beloved and iconic piece of furniture.

furniture, Islamic culture, hospitality, design, materials

Jason Scott

223425
Divan

Divan is a noun, which can be defined as a type of sofa or couch, usually large and upholstered, sometimes fitted with a headrest and armrests, and can serve as seating for several people. Synonyms of the word divan include couch, settee, lounge, and sofa. Antonyms of the word divan would be unpadded and unupholstered type of chairs such as armchair, wingback chair, side chair, and slipper chair. Cognates of the word divan include the French word ‘divan’, Latin word ‘divanus’, Greek word ‘diphtheran’, Persian word ‘divan’, Spanish word ‘dibán’, and Hebrew word ‘dibah’. Variants of the word divan include divinity, divinatory, diviner, divisor, divagation and divanese.

Morphology, Etymology, Semantics, Taxonomy, Dialectology.

George Adrian Postea

223420
Divan

The word Divan has a long history of linguistic and morphological development, evolving over centuries through different languages. Its modern usage can be seen in Turkish and Persian. In Turkish, the word “Divan” comes from the Middle Persian “dihbān”, meaning “account book” or “fiscal register”. It was taken into Turkish in the 12th century, and was used to refer to records of accounts by the Ottoman Empire’s Chief Financial Officer. It also came to be used to denote the throne of the chief officer, situated in the Sultan's council chamber, which was originally referred to as the diwan-ı čengi, meaning ‘place of writing’. This throne became synonymous with the government and the Ottoman court, and over time the throne, and thus the word, began to bear connotations of power and authority. Morphologically, the word is related to a few other Ottoman Turkish and Persian words such as “divan-ı hümayun”, “divan-ı âlî”, and “divan-i âlî” which denote the highest court of the Ottoman Empire and its members. The word has also come to refer to furniture, often called settees or couches, and found particularly in formal meeting rooms. Thus, the word has come to be associated with power and authority, as well as with seating and comfort.

Etymology, Morphology, Divan, Ottoman, Turkish, Persian

Henry Fontaine

223409
Divan

Divan is an Islamic and Persian term that is used to refer to a collection of poems and other literary pieces, or a symbolic representation thereof. The word Divan is used frequently in many different languages, each providing its own unique twist to the definition. In Arabic, Divan translates as lection, whereas in Greek, it is known as diwan, and in Persian, as diwan. In Turkish, devan or diwana is used to describe a collection of poems and literary pieces, while in Spanish, the word is used to describe an assembly of literature. In Dutch, dijwan or dijwana is the equivalent word used for Divan. In Russian, the equivalent term would be dyvizhok or dyvizhnik. In German, Diwanbuch or Gedichtebuch is used to describe a collection of poems and literary pieces, while Polish uses the word diwanik and Hungarian uses dijavany. Finally, in Italian divanetto is used to describe a collection of poems and literary pieces.

Diván, Lection, Diwan, Devan, Diwana, Diijwan, Dijwana, Dyvizhok, Dyvizhnik, Diwanbuch, Gedichtebuch, Diwanik, Dijavany, Divanetto

Harris Awan

202983
Divan

Divan is a type of furniture that is traditionally low and features a large, cushioned platform which is often used as a seat. Divans are typically placed against a wall or in the corner of a room, and they can also be used as a bed. Important works of furniture using this style include the sofas of Thomas Chippendale and the ottomans of Joseph Meeks.

Furniture, Ottoman, Sofa, Platform, Cushioned.

Minh Nguyen


Divan Definition
Divan on Design+Encyclopedia

We have 216.545 Topics and 472.615 Entries and Divan has 5 entries on Design+Encyclopedia. Design+Encyclopedia is a free encyclopedia, written collaboratively by designers, creators, artists, innovators and architects. Become a contributor and expand our knowledge on Divan today.