Abstract
SOME CONSIDERATIONS ON THE “KÖROĞLU, ERZURUM VARIANT” AND REGARDING “THE FATE OF KÖROĞLU”
The Erzurum variant of the Köroğlu epic was narrated by Hâfız Mikdat, with a significant portion collected by Murat [Uraz] and the remaining part compiled in collaboration with Sırrı Numan [Bilge]. This variant was handed over to Sırrı Numan by Murat [Uraz], who subsequently prepared the collection as his graduation thesis and submitted it in 1931. The Erzurum variant of the Köroğlu epic consists of 13 branches (kol). Positioned as an appendage to the final branch, the Georgia Branch (Gürcistan Kolu), lies a 23-couple/verse poetic narrative titled "Köroğlu’nun Encamı" (The Fate of Köroğlu), a fascinating yet rarely encountered piece in Köroğlu traditions. Composed in the 6+5 syllabic meter and structured in the style of a mesnevi (rhymed couplets), this poetic narrative focuses on Köroğlu's disappearance into mystery (sırra kadem basma). According to this poem by Hâfız Mikdat, it is emphasized that Köroğlu vanished into the realm of the saints (kırklara karışmak), Köse Kenan migrated to Ardahan, all the chieftains dispersed to their respective domains, Köroğlu’s son Hasan Bey went to Dagestan to live with his maternal uncles, his wife Tellinigâr returned to the land of Erzurum taking their other son Ahmet Bey and daughter Heno Hanım with her, and Ayvaz along with the steed Kırat vanished into the realm of the saints. Furthermore, it is expressed through Hâfız Mikdat’s own words in verse that this epic was brought to light through the endeavors of Murat [Uraz]. In this paper, certain evaluations will be made regarding the collection titled Köroğlu Erzurum Rivayeti, specifically focusing on Murat Uraz, who is mentioned in the narrative "Köroğlu’nun Encamı". Within the scope of these evaluations, attention will be drawn to specific matters concerning Hâfız Mikdat [Âşık Kemal], Murat [Uraz], Sırrı Numan [Bilge], as well as other figures engaged in activities related to the Köroğlu tradition indirectly.
Keywords
Köroğlu, Erzurum, Hâfız Mikdat, Murat Uraz, Sırrı Numan, poetic narrative (manzume)