Semah
Semah is one of the main twelve services of the cem rituals which
are considered as religious practices by Alevi-Bektaşi-Kızılbaş adherents.
It can be described as a set of mystical and aesthetic
movements in rhythmic harmony performed by
semahcis (semah dancers), accompanied by
zakirs playing the saz (musical performers in cem rituals).
Semahs can be described as a set of mystical and aesthetic body movements in rhythmic
harmony. They constitute one of the twelve main services found in Cem rituals, religious practices
performed by adherents of Alevi-Bektaşi-Kızılbaş, a belief system nourished by a variety
of beliefs and cultural sources. Alevism reached its maturity in Anatolia, Alevi Order has distinguished
itself from mainstream Alevi belief system, with respect to its roots, formation processes
and current cultural background. The Alevi belief system has been enhanced and cultivated
by a great variety of beliefs and cultures in the history of Anatolia.
Semah performers are known as semahcis and they are accompanied by devout musicians
playing the saz, a long-necked lute. Various forms of Semah exist in Alevi communities across
the world, each with distinct musical characteristics and rhythmic structures. One consistent
characteristic is the performance of the ritual by both men and women, side by side. Semah
rituals are founded upon the concept of unity with Hakk (God) as part of a natural cycle: people
come from Hakk and return to Hakk.
There are two forms of Semah: İçeri Semahs (internal semahs) are performed in Cems only
among adherents as part of the twelve services; Dışarı Semahs are performed independent
of services to promote Semah culture to younger generations. Semahs are the most crucial
means for the transmission of the Alevi tradition. All practices, traditional motifs and teachings
are passed on orally, and distinct genres of art and literature associated with the tradition continue
to thrive. In this way, Semahs play a crucial role in fostering and enriching the traditional
music culture of Alevis.
As bearers and practitioners of the semah tradition, Alevi communities are existent all across
the world.
UNESCO accepts Semah as a vessel for the expression and manifestation of cultural heritage.
In this way Semah uses:
Oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of intangible cultural heritage.
Performing arts in the transmission of rhetoric skills through songs recited by zakirs and prayers
uttered by the Dede (spiritual leader).
Social practices, rituals and festive events with regular semah performances in cem rituals.
THE IDENTIFICATION AND DEFINITION OF THE ELEMENT OF SEMAH
Semah; originated from Ancient Mesopotamian word sema meaning heavens, fortune
and hearing. Semahs are the most effective instruments for the transmission of Alevi traditions.
Semah is one of the main twelve services of the cem rituals which are considered as
religious practices by Alevi adherents.
It is possible to encounter various kinds of semahs within Alevism, with different musical
characteristics and rhythmic structures. The fact that there are variations in melodic and
lyrical structure of semahs with the same name is an evident sign of the richness in semah
culture. Centuries of oral transmission of semahs from generation to generation has enabled
a rich diversity within semah culture.
One of the main principles on which semahs are conceptualized is the unity with Hakk
which happens through a natural cycle. In this cycle, man comes from Hakk and goes
back to Hakk a cycle which resembles the circulation of celestial bodies in the universe.
However, man is the centre point of this circulation. Hakk is omnipresent and semah is the
way to reach Hakk.
Hand and body motions in semahs have symbolical meanings. For instance, the motion
in which one palm faces the sky while the other faces the earth is meant to say “You are
Hakk, we are the people, I come from You and hold your essence in me, I am not separate
from You” and “To take from Hakk and give to the community, to share”. The motion in
which palms first face the sky and then turned to the earth is meant to represent this same
thought.
When semahcis face each other it presents the presence of Hakk within man and each
semahci witnesses the divine beauty of Hakk within the image of the person in front of
them.
The motion in which semahci turns the palm of his hand to his face represents man seeing
his own beauty in the mirror and therefore he also witnesses the divine beauty of Hakk.
When both palms facing the sky are pulled towards the heart it represents the proverb
“Hakk I am Man, so Hakk is in me” or “Hakk is in Man”.
Semahs are categorized into two groups:
1- İçeri (private) semahs / Order semahs
2- Dışarı (public) semahs / Avare semahs
İçeri Semahs (Order semahs): They are performed in Cems (considered as religious practices
by Alevi adherents) where 12 services are carried out. It is not desirable to perform
içeri semahs in front of those outside the faith. There are three aspects that make up the
performance:
• Ağırlama: The prelude containing slow movements.
• Yürütme: The phase in which the semah gets faster and livelier.
• Çark: The movement of moving around oneself and others. The final phase when the
semah is the fastest and hardest to perform.
While this three-phase composition of semahs is customary, it is possible to see other kinds
of performances as well. In some semahs it is very difficult to distinguish these phases from
each other.
Dışarı Semahs (Avare semah, Yoz Semah or Mengis): They are performed independent
of the 12 services for the purpose of teaching the semah culture to younger generations.
Nevertheless, they are still loyal to semah principles. Dışarı semahs are mostly comprised of
two phases; ‘ağırlama’ and ‘yürütme’ or ‘ağırlama’ and ‘çark’.
Although semah performances vary according to the region,
the main characteristics are common:
• Semahs are performed together by both men and women,
• While semahcis in içeri semahs are limited in number; there is no such restriction for dışarı semahs.
• Semahcis start the semahs by greeting and inviting each other.
• While performing semah, semahcis are positioned in a circular order or facing each
other, without touching or holding.
• Bağlama is usually the accompanying instrument to semahs; but there are some regions
where other rhythm instruments are also played during semahs.
• While there is no specific attire to be worn in semahs it is not uncommon to wear traditional
clothes in rural cems (considered as religious practices by Alevi adherents).
• On completion of semahs, the dede will (spiritual leaders) usually say a prayer. The semah
is never applauded because it is a religious practice rather than a means of entertainment.
• Semah is passed on to further generations through the performance of the tradition.
The basic characteristics and universal values reflecting
the understanding of tradition bearers of
Semah are as follows:
• In Alevi belief, every human being has a divine essence and they see man in unity with
Hakk known as “En-el Hak” meaning “I am one with God”. Thus, during the worship they
prostrate towards one another.
• Seeing man in unity with Hakk, they internalize a humanist philosophy.
• In Alevi belief, sharing is of great importance in social life. “Musahiplik” (a kind of fellowship
as regards to Alevi belief) in which two individuals choose one another as spiritual brothers
or sisters committing to care for the spiritual, emotional, physical and financial needs of the
other, for the purpose of creating a type of sincere unity.
• Alevis object to gender discrimination, therefore they pray side by side.
• Alevis view offending human beings as on an equal level to offending Hakk; hence,
through establishing a form of judging mechanism called “düşkünlük”, they use a sanction
power over the members to prevent them from committing misdeeds. If one commits any
of those, s/he is declared as “düşkün” (shunned) and temporarily or permanently excommunicated
from the community or society.
• The practices, traditional motifs and teachings are orally transmitted rather than written sources
and, therefore, distinct genres of art and literature particular to the tradition, have been created.
• They practice their authentic worship and convey their culture through the use of lyrics,
music and semah.
ENSURING VISIBILITY AND AWARENESS AND
ENCOURAGING THE CONTINUATION OF SEMAH
Semah is the most crucial element in terms of the portrayal of the Alevi tradition. The
aesthetics of semah performances have inspired various forms of visual arts (painting,
sculpture, theatre, etc.) and related artistic products contribute to the visibility of this
aesthetic aspect of semah (See: Photo below).
Semah play a crucial role in fostering and enriching the traditional music culture of
Alevis as well as being an important instrument for raising awareness.
The authentic aspect of its oral structure and expression not only contributes to the
overall visibility of traditional folk literature, but also raises awareness as an example of
local literature. The musical and dancing characteristics of semahs constitute a common
language for humanity as artistic creations in which faith and art are harmoniously
integrated to raise awareness in national and international platform. Moreover it
enables a better platform for inter-societal discussion.
The human-centred perception of the world and the universe and humanist philosophy
of semah are values which can contribute to the intercultural discussion
Different types of Semah:
1. Kırklar Semah: takes its name from Kırklar Cems, represents the mystical gathering of
the 40’s council. It has three aspects; ağırlama (slow movements), yürütme (performing),
and çark (turning around oneself and each other).
2. Turnalar Semah: The crane bird has an important place in Alevi belief. The Turna
semah is based on the movements of the crane, which are slow and established
3. Kırat Semah: This semah has many different symbolisations, including the planets
turning around the sun.
4. Urfa Semah: This Semah represents the life of humanity, from birth to death. Whilst
also being the story of the migration of the crane.
5. Ladik Semah: This is a ritual Semah performed in the Cems in Samsun, taking its
name from Ladik, a city in the Samsun Province.
6. Hace Bektaş Semah: Performed in order to respect of Hace Bektaş Veli. The right
hand is fixed on the chest at the start of this semah.
7. Hubyar Semah: It is performed with 5 women, 4 men as cans (souls). Arms are relaxed,
and body is slightly bent at the start of this semah. During this semah they spin
around while at the same time spinning in a circle.
Zakir
The Zakir sits next to the Dede during the Cem. With prompts from the dede he/she
invites the 12 services with his words and the rhythms of the baglama with Voices,
Phrases, Breath, Duvaz, Semah and Mersiyes. The Breaths mention Hakk, Muhammed
and Ali. Duvaz’s mentions the 12 imams. Mersiyes are the mournful songs for the Imam
Huseyin.
ELA GÖZLÜ PİRİM GELDİ
“HÜ”
Ela gözlü pirim geldi
“ŞAH” Duyan geldi işte meydan
Dört kapıyı kırk makamı “HAK”
Bilen gelsin işte meydan
Hüdey hüdey canlar hüdey “HÜ”
Hüdey hüdey canlar hüdey “PİR”
“HÜ”
Ben pirimi hakk bilirim “ŞAH”
Yoluna kurban olurum
Dün doğdum bugün ölürüm “HAK”
Ölen gelsin işte meydan
“HÜ”
Şah Hatayim der varını “ŞAH”
Meydana koymuş serini
Nesimi gibi derisin “HAK”
Yüzen gelsin işte meydan
ERENLER CEMİ
Erenler cemine gireyim dersen
Kin ile kibiri at da öyle gel
Gerçekler sırrına ereyim dersen
Ulu bir mürşide yet de öyle gel
Bülbülün güledir feryadı ünü
Zaya verme geçen saati günü
Okumak istersen ilmi ledünü
Bir gerçekten destin tut da öyle gel
Kolay mı Divani gerçeğe ermek
Hasbahçe bağının gülünü dermek
Nene lazım elin kusurun görmek
Sen kendi aynana bak
THE CEM OF THE WISE (ERENS)
Wanting to enter the Cem of the Wise
Rid yourself of hatred and arrogance then come
Wanting to reach reality’s secret
Then reach a great Teacher and then come
The nightingales’ cry is to the rose
Don’t waste each passing moment
If you want to read the *sacred language
Come after you have held this reality
Is it easy to reach Devine reality
To collect together the roses of this pure garden
Why need you see the imperfection of others
Look at your own mirror and then come
*sacred language: education, science, holly
scientific, understanding of creation
MY HAZLED EYE PİR HAS ARRIVED
“HÜ”
My Hazel eyed Pir has arrived
“ŞAH”
Those that hear it, here is the arena.
The four gates and the 40 stations “HAK”
Those who know them should come,
here is the arena
Say ‘hü’*, say ‘hü’, souls say ‘hü’ “HÜ”
Say ‘hü’, say ‘hü’, souls say ‘hü’ “PİR”
“HÜ”
I know my Pir as Hakk (God) “ŞAH”
Sacrifice myself in his path
I was born yesterday will die today “HAK”
Those who die should come, here is the arena
“HÜ”
I’m Şah Hatayi, to have a say “ŞAH”
Has put thy serine in the arena
Those like Nesimi who are skinned “HAK”
come, here is the arena
*(Hü) here representing that which came
from the Source has re-entered the Source,
Summary: My Hazel eyed Pir or some use it to mean HAKK/GOD
has come, this is the arena to meet up
for those of you who heard about him, those who know the four doors and 40 levels
should come to this arena. I know my Pir as the God, I sacrifice myself at his feet, I
was born yesterday will die today, those who want to die must com
OL BENİM ŞAHIMI
Ol benim şahımı
Görmeye kim gelir
Zevk ile sefasın
Sürmeye kim gelir
İncidir dişleri
Kalemdir kaşları
Can ile başları
Vermeye kim gelir
Asası elinde
Kemeri belinde
Pirimin yolunda
Ölmeye kim gelir
Pir Sultan illeri
Uzaktır yolları
Bahçede gülleri
Dermeye kim gelir
BE MY CREATOR
Who will come to see
My Sah
Who will come
To enjoy themselves
Teeth of pearls
Eyebrows thin and straight
Who will come to give
Their soul and the head
With staff in hand
Belt on the waist
Who will come to die
On the path of me Pir*
Pir Sultan Regions
Are far away
Who will come to collect
Roses from the garden
*Şah, Pir: Patriarch
9
Amasya Semahı
nasip olur amasya’ya varırsan
var git turnam haber getir pirimden
hublar şahı hamdullah’ı görürsen
var git turnam haber getir pirimden
ak gülüm gülüm canım canım canım
elifin hecesinden
gündüzün gecesinden
bir deste gül alayım
ali’nin bahçasından
hayali gönlümde kılarım ahı
acep görür müyüm gül yüzlü şahı
cümle aşıkların sırrı penahı
var git turnam haber getir pirimden
ak gülüm gülüm canım canım canım
elifin hecesinden
gündüzün gecesinden
bir deste gül alayım
ali’nin bahçasından
Velim eydur hak yoluna canımız
Balım Sultan olun size kılavuz
Amasya’da pirim kaldı yalınız
Var git turnam haber getir pirimden
Ak gülüm gülüm canım canım canım
elifin hecesinden
Gündüzün gecesinden
Bir deste gül alayım
Ali’nin bahçasından
Semah Of Amasya
Should you manage to go to Amasya
Dear crane bring me news from my Pir
Should you Hamdullah, Shah of the Hublar
Dear crane bring me news from my Pir
My white rose, my dear, my dear,
In Elif’s name
from the night of the day
Let me take a bunch of roses
from the garden of Ali
I lament from the depths of my heart
Will I see my beautiful faced Şah (Shah)
Dear crane bring me news from my Pir
Of the secrets of all
My white rose, my dear, my dear,
In Elif’s name
from the night of the day
Let me take a bunch of roses
from the garden of Ali
Our soul is for the path of Hakk
And Balım Sultan your guide
Our Pir is left alone in Amasya
Dear crane bring me news from my Pir
My white rose, my dear, my dear,
In Elif’s name
from the night of the day
Let me take a bunch of roses
from the garden of Ali
Ladik Semahı
Illallah illallah
Aşk ile diyelim allah
Illallah illallah
Sıtkınan diyelim allah
Ah dedim şah dedim
Aşkınan allah dedim
Ah dedim şah dedim
Sıtkınan allah dedim
Eyildim su içmeye
Kanatlandım uçmaya
Bu yol erenlerindir
Doğru gidenlerindir
Bu yola eğri girmez
Doğru gelenlerindir
Salını sallanı cananım, gelen efendim
Gel böyle sallanma vebalim göz değer sana
Gel böyle sallanma vebalim göz değer sana
Hadi canım canım yürü bakalım
Haydi canım cananım sallan bakalım
Al yeşil giyinmiş sultanım durma karşımda
Al yeşil giyinmiş sultanım durma karşımda
Sonra rakiplerden vebalim söz değer sana
Sonra rakiplerden vebalim söz değer sana
Haydi canım cananım yürü bakalım
Haydi canım cananım sallan bakalım
Sonra rakiplerden göz değer sana
Gel ha gel
Ladik Semah
Oh God Oh God
With love, lets say God
Oh God Oh God
With a pure heart, let’s say God
I said ah, I said Şah
With love, I said God
Oh God Oh God
With a pure heart, I said God
I knelt to drink water
I developed wings to fly
This is the path of the wise ones
The one of the righteous
You can’t entre this road untrue
It is for the righteous
Swaying comes my lord
Don’t sway like this, my sins will
Come here, don’t sway, or you will may
have to deal with the consequences of
the evil eye
Come here, don’t sway, or you will may
have to deal with the consequences of
the evil eye
Come on my life my soul walk let’s see
Come on my life my soul let me see you
go on your way
Don’t stand opposite me my sultan in green
Don’t stand opposite me my sultan in green
You may get the evil eye from your opponent
You may get the evil eye from your opponent
Come on my life my soul walk lets see
Come on my life my soul let me
see you go on your way
You may get the evil eye from your opponent
Come make sure you come
Summary: This Semah underlines the admiration for the Pir and asks him to protect
himself from everyone who might harm him, as he is described beautifully dressed in
colourful clothes.
Kırat Semahı
Yine kırcalandı dağların başı
Ömrüm ömrüm ömrüm ömrüm
ömrüm ömrüm
Durmadan akıyor gözümün yaşı
Ne yaman firgarlı Kıratın işi
Kırat bu dağlarıda aşmalı bugün
Nennide nenni dost nenni nenni
Nennide nenni has nenni nenni
Kıratta gidiyor estiği zaman
Ömrüm ömrüm ömrüm ömrüm
ömrüm ömrüm
Dizgini boynuna astığı zaman
Köpüğü sağrında seçmeli bugün
Nennide nenni dost nenni nenni
Nennide nenni has nenni nenni
Derviş Muhammed’im pirim pir ise
O yar ile ahtı aman bir rise
Kırat sende küheylanlık var ise
Pirim dergahına düşmeli bugün
Hay hay hay hay hay hay hay
Hey dost
Kırat sende küheylanlık var ise
Pirim dergahınada düşmeli bugün
Hele nenni nenni de
Dost nenni nenni
Kırat Semah
The top of the mountains are green again
My Life, my life, my life, my life, my life, my life
The tears of my eyes flow constantly
How wild it is the work of Kırat
Kırat must today overcome these mountains
Lullaby lullaby friend lullaby lullaby
Lullaby lullaby my special lullaby lullaby
Kıratta goes well when there is a wlow
My Life, my life, my life, my life, my life, my life
When the bridle halters thy neck
The rumps salivation is special today
Lullaby lullaby friend lullaby lullaby
Lullaby lullaby my special lullaby lullaby
If Dervish is my Muhammed and my Pir is ‘the Pir’
The way it rises you should see
Kırat if you have pedigree in you
My pir should drop into your shrine today
Hay hay hay hay hay hay hay
Hey Friend
Kırat if you have pedigree in you
My pir should drop into your shrine today
Lullaby lullaby I say lullaby
friend lullaby lullaby
Summary: This Semah describes the Kirat (horse) and
its journey to the valley of the Pir.
Ali Nur Semahı
Ali nurdur Ali nur
Muhammed nurdur, Ali nur
Ali gazaya giderken
Fatma ana açar eli nur
Ali gazadan gelirken
Fatma ana çıkar salınır
Yoldan çıkma Hatayi’m
Yoldan çıkan alınır.
Ha canım canım ha gülüm gülüm
Pirimin boyu dallara benzer
Şahıma giden yollara benzer
Muhammed Ali’yi candan seversen
Varınca bir tel ver Ali’ye turnam
Ali ye turnam Haydar’a turnam Hüüü
Hasan Hüseyin‘den medet umarsan
Varınca bir tel ver Ali ye turnam
Ali ye turnam Haydar’a turnam Hüüü
Sabah’tan bahçeye vardım
Bir giderek sır deyi
Sandımki har tükenmiş
Güle de har noksan deyi
Has nenni nenni nenni dost nenni nenni nenni
Sar nenni nenni nenni dost nenni nenni nenni
Hey Nesimi can Nesimi verme hublara meyil
Hublara meyil verirsen güle de har noksan deyi
Has nenni nenni nenni dost nenni nenni nenni
Sar nenni nenni nenni dost nenni nenni nenni
Dur nenni nenni nenni dur nenni nenni
Hey dost hey dost
Abdal olsam şallar giysem eynime
Olsam abdallara eş deli gönül
Sen sözünü erenler ayırma
Zamane halkına sırrın duyurma
Alem sele gitse yanıp kayırma
Kendi dalgan ile coş deli gönül
Kul Himmet üstadım bu nasıl hallar
Şaha doğru gider bu açık yollar
Muhammed Mehdi’ye gelecek derler
Mehdi dalgasıyla coş deli gönül
Ali Nur Semahı
Ali is the heavenly light, Ali is the light
Muhammed is the heavenly light, Ali light
Ali when going to Gaza
Mother Fatma opens her palm of light
When Ali comes from war
Mother Fatma goes on her way,
Don’t stray from the path my Hatayi
Those who stray from the path are taken.
Yes my dear my dear, yes my rose my rose
My Pir’s height resembles branches
Like the path that leads to my Şah
If you wholeheartedly love Muhammed Ali
My crane, when you arrive give note to Ali
To Ali my crane, to Haydar my crane ‘Hüüü’
If you seek justice from Hasan Hüseyin
When you arrive give note to Ali my crane
To Ali my crane, to Haydar my crane ‘Hüüü’
I arrived at the garden in the morning
As it went it told its secrets
I thought the fire had died out
It says, the fire is missing from the rose
My lullaby, lullaby, lullaby. Friend lullaby lullaby lullaby
Delight lullaby lullaby lullaby. Friend lullaby lullaby lullaby
Nesimi the soul don’t give your heart to the
hublars
If you do, it says, the fire is missing from the rose
My lullaby, lullaby, lullaby. Friend lullaby lullaby
lullaby
Delight lullaby lullaby lullaby friend lullaby lullaby
lullaby
Stop lullaby lullaby lullaby. Stop lullaby lullaby
lullaby
Hey friend hey friend
If I was to become an Abdal and wear scarves
With wild hearts we should become partners
to Abdals
Don’t separate your words the wise ones
Don’t leak your secrets to the peoples of today
If the other people go with the floods, don’t
burn yourself
Rejoice with your own wave oh wild heart
Kul Himmet my teacher, what state is this
These open paths go to the Şah
They say that Muhammed Mahdi is coming
Rejoice with the wave of Mahdi oh wild heart
Summary: This Semah describes the admiration for Ali and refers to him as glory.
Koç Baba Semahı
İndim koç baba ya dost dost tavaf eyledim
Bugün yaylımdadır hey dost geliyor koçlar
Mübarek cemalin hey yar seyran eyledim
Bugün yaylımdadır hey dost geliyor koçlar
Ali haydar ali ali geliyor koçlar
Kaşlarının üstü yazılı kuran yazılı kuran
Ya mahrum mu kalır Ali’m Ali’m Ali’m Ali’m
Ali’m Ali’m Ali’m onları gören
Yarın mahşer günü hey dost şefaat kılan
Bugün yaylımdadır hey dost geliyor koçlar
Ben bugün yayladan şaha giderim
Pirden dolu içtim içtim dosta giderim
Şahtan bir elma elma
Elma ne güzel elma
Içi pirinç dışı turunç
Elma ne güzel elma
Eğlenin turnalar şaha gidelim eylen
Dosta gidelim eylen pire gidelim
Ağalar Hasan dağından ağalar
Hasan dağından
Yaylamadan şimdiden yer yer
Ömrüm toygut nenni nenni
Garip bülbül vatanından ağlar ağlar
Şimdiden yer yer yer
Sarhoş yer yer yer
Bir hoş yer yer yer sallan dur
Hey dost hey dost hey dost hey dost
Allah allah illallah
La ilahe illallah
Ali mürşit güzel Şah
Şahım eyvallah eyvallah
Koc Baba (Father Ram) Semah
I went to Koc Baba, friend, and walked around
Today it has been radiated, friend,
the rams are coming,
Auspicious cemal, beloved, I walked around
Today it has been radiated, friend,
the rams are coming,
Ali Haydar, Ali, Ali, the rams are coming.
Your brow is a written with the Quran, the Quran
No deprivation will be left,
My Ali, my Ali, my Ali, my Ali
My Ali, my Ali, my Ali with
the ones that see them
Tomorrow is the day of reckoning,
friend, the intervention is made
Today it has been radiated, friend,
the rams are coming
Today I will go through the meadows to the Şah
I have drank fully form the Pir and
now go to my friends,
An apple from the Şah
An apple, what a lovely apple
The inside, white like rice, the outside orange
Slow down crane, slow down let’s go to our Şah
Let go to our friend, slow down let’s go to
our friend.
The aghas are on Hasan mountain, the
aghas are on Hasan mountain
Without spending time in the mountains
My life is not full,
The nightingale cries from its homeland
Henceforth this place,
Drunk this place, Gracious place, go on your way
Friends, friends, friends, friends,
Oh God Oh God
Ali is our guide, our lovely Şah
Goodbye, goodbye my Şah
Summary: This semah describes the beauty of the valley of the Sah and
the route to reaching his glory.
EY SAHİN BAKISLIM
BÜLBÜL AVAZLIM
Ey şahin bakışlım, bülbül avazlım
Bir eli kadehlim, bir eli sazlım
İste ben gidiyorum kal ahu gözlüm
Ne sen beni unut, nede ben seni
Hudey hudey hudey, dem dem dem
dem
Yolda harami çok, engel arada
Unutma sevdiğim, beni de sılada
Kalkıp gider ama, gönül burada
Ne sen beni unut, nede ben seni
Hudey hudey hudey,
dem dem dem dem
Ne sen beni unut, nede ben seni
Hudey hudey hudey, dem dem dem
dem
Ezeli ezelden seven sevene
Şu iki cihanda devri mekanda
Ne sen beni unut ne de ben seni
Hudey hudey hudey, dem dem dem
dem
Çekilsin Gülbanklar sürülsün devran
Carımıza gelsin o Şah’ı Merdan
Yüzümüzü açsın ulu yaradan
Ne sen beni unut ne de ben seni
Hudey hudey hudey,
dem dem dem dem
MY FALCON EYED
NIGHTINGALE SOUNDTH
Hey my falconed eyed,
my nightingale soundth
One hand with chalice the other with saz
I’m going now you stay my gazelle eyed You
don’t forget me, nor I you
Hudey hudey hudey, dem dem dem dem
Many thieves on the way,
barriers in the middle
Don’t forget my love, nor me at home
Feelings may leave from here
You don’t forget me, nor I you
Hudey hudey hudey, dem dem dem dem
You don’t forget me, nor I you
Hudey hudey hudey, dem dem dem dem
Like immemorial eternal lovers’
In two universes cycle of space
You don’t forget me, nor I you
Hudey hudey hudey, dem dem dem dem
Let the prayers be said, let the world turn
Let Şah’ı Merdan cometh
And brighten our face oh great one
You don’t forget me, nor I you
Hudey hudey hudey, dem dem dem dem
Summary: The look of the loved one is described as similar to a Falcon and sound
like a Nightingale, there is a statement of goodbye to the loved one here.
Hz Şah’ın Avazı
Hz Şah’ın Avazı
Turna derler bir kuştadır
Asası nil deryasında
Hırkası bir derviştedir
Nil deryası umman oldu
Sarardı gül benzim soldu
Bakışı aslanda kaldı
Dövüşü dahi koçtadır
Nerde Pir Sultanım nerde
Özümüz asılı dar da
Yemen’den öte bir yerde
Daha düldül savaştadır
The sound of St Şah
The sound of St Şah
Is from the bird known as the crane
Whose staff is at the River Nile
Whose cardigan is with a Dervish
River Nile has become an Oceon
My skin has waned and gone pale
The looks remain in the lion and strength
in the ram
Where is my Pir Sultan, where
Our essence is at submission
In a place further away than Yemen
Where düldül is at war
Summary: The sound of the Shah is in the crane bird, his staff is in the River Nile, his
jacket is with a Dervish, the Nile has turned into an Ocean, my colour has faded, the
looks have remained in the lion, and the fight is in the Ram. Where are you, we are
awaiting you. This is a call for the Shah to join us.
VAHDET BADESİYLE
Vahdet badesiyle mestiz ezelden
Elest kadehinden tadanlardanız
Nur alır gözümüz her bir güzelden
Arıyız bala bal katanlardanız
Harabat mülkünün sultanı olduk
Malamat ufkunun tabanı olduk
Öyle bir didarın hayranı olduk
Üryan eşiğinde yatanlardanız
Hey ruhi aşk olsun bu irfanına
Neşeler yağdıran cem meydanına
Münkirin yobazın paslı canına
Kantarlı kütükler atanlardanız
Summary: We are everywhere; including in the bees making honey. We are the
ones fighting the enemy.
PİRLERE NİYAZ EDERİZ
Allah bir Muhammed Ali
Nazar eyle bari bana
izz-ü celalin aşkına
Çektirme şol zarı bana
Pirlere niyaz ederiz
Yalan dünya nideriz
Ölürüz hasret gideriz
Göster şol didarı bana
Kalender ağlar yerinir
Aşk hayaliyle sürünür
Cenneti rıdvan görünür
Şol güzelin katli bana
Pirlere niyaz ederiz
Yalan dünya nideriz
Ölürüz hasret gideriz
Göster şol didarı bana
WE APPEAL TO OUR PIRS
Allah is Muhammed Ali
At least Curse me
For the love of izz-ü jalal
Dont let me suffer from the light
We appeal to our Pirs
It’s a lying world, what can we do
We’ll die and yearn
Show me this face
Kalender cries in the place
Lives in misery for the dream of love
Heavens gates are pleasing from here
Let your beauty remain with me
We appeal to our Pirs
It’s a lying world, what can we do
We’ll die and yearn
Show me this face
Summary: We pray for our Pirs, we do not care about the fake world,
we miss him a lot, show his face to us.
Urfa Kısas Semahı
Başım açık yalın ayak yürüttüm
Sen merhamet eyle lebbi balım yar
Yüreğimi ceviz gibi çürüttün
senin aşkın büyüktür kaddidalım yar
çektirme cefalar yandırma nare
yitirdim aklımı oldum divane
köşheyi vahttede koyma avere
darıtman gel cemal ettim velim yar
sıtkı yakma ömrüm kıvlı kal ile
hazine bulunmaz hurafa ile
yırtık gömleğiyle eski şal ile
daha böyle nasıl olur halım yar
kerbela çölünden sakin mi geldin
ne yaman firgatli ötersin turnam
imam ali katarına uyuban
kırkların semahın tutarsın turnam
kırklar senin ile biledir bile
yediler hizmetin ol mail ola
ol hızır nebide yardımcın ola
güruh-ü naciye yetersin turnam
evvel bahar yaz ayları doğanda
semah tutup çarkı göğe ayanda
yavru şahin tellerine değende
alim dost dost diye ötersin turnam
ali´nin avazı sende bulundu
ne yaman ötersin bağrım delindi
ol pirden bir haber alda gel şimdi
gönlümün gamını atarsın turnam
dedemoğlu durmuş haddini yazar
oturmuş ahdevin bendini çözer
mecnun leyla için çöllerde gezer
can verki canana yetersin turna
Summary: I am walking my head uncovered, my feet bare. I am coming from the
Kerbela dessert. You are singing very emotionally Crane, are you turning in the 40’s
semah Crane, Ali’s voice is within you, your voice pierces my heart, bring me news
from my Pir in order to calm me down.
Fethiye Semahı
iki turnam gelirde dost ellerinde
evrilir çevrilir döner göllerde
ali yar ali yar ali yar ali yar
döner göllerde
muhabbet getirir dost illerinden
korkmaz ki avci var deyi yollarda
ser çeşmeden gelirde cananim
gülün gurusu
nasibimiz verir de dost pirin birisi
pir sultan abdalimda benzin sarısı
nedir çektiklerim de dost dost
can pire kurban
sakinin turnalar onun kişidir
poyraz vurur cilgalari üşüdür
ali yar ali yar ali yar ali yar
can pire kurban
konup göçmek evliyalar işidir
konup göç ki söylenesin dillerde
can pire kurban
Bozok Semahı
ha canım canım tele bas turnam
boyuna hayran sallan ha sallan
ha canım canım boyuna kurban
muhammed aliye (ikrar vermeyen)
gündüzü karanlık gece sayılır
ikrar verip ikrarında durmayan
kırk yıl emek çekse hiçe sayılır.
Muhammed Ali den (tutmazsa derman)
onlardan yok idi din ile iman,
kim ali evladına ederse güman
cümlesi münafık hiçe sayılır
yüceden yüce ( başımın tacı )
kabe ye ulaşır zülfünün ucu
el ele tutuşsak güruh-u naci,
cümle katarlardan yüce sayılır
velim eydur bu sevdaya erdiysen,
ey can erdiysen
devrin kutbil alem dava kıldıysan
hüseyin e veli ye pirim dediysen,
hey can dediysen
onun niyazı da hacı sayılır
çıktım yüceleri seyran eyledim
sallanır karşımda durur ikisi
birisi sağımda biri solumda
uzatır badeyi verir birisi
hay hay hay hay yürü yürü sende yürü
gitti kervan dönmez geri
erlik midir eri de yormak
uzak yoldan haber almak
cennetteki o şol ırmak
coşkun akan sel bizdedir
eylen dur sallan dur yerinde dur
bir ulu kervandır ali, ali,ali, ali, ali, ali,
ali,ali,ali,ali
çıktık musuldan gitti kervanımız aliye
doğru
hünkar hacı bektaş veli ye doğru
hay,hay,hay,hay yürü yürü yalan dünya
değil misin,
hasanla hüseyini alan dünya değilmisin
kuldur hasan dedem kuldur
manayı söyleyen dildir
elif hakka doğru yoldur
cim ararsan dil bizdedir medet.
Summary: Two cranes are coming bringing news from friends. They fly circling the
lakes, bringing news from friends. They are not scared of the hunters on the way.
Summary: You are the head cranes. Those who do not believe Muhammed Ali day
time is like night, 40 years’ service will mean nothing. Watched them both from the
heights, one on my left, one on my right.
İKİ TURNAM GELİR BAŞI ÇIRALI
İki turnam gelir başı çıralı
Birisi Muhammed birisi Ali
Eylen turnam eylen Alimisin sen
Yoksa Hacı Bektaş Velimisin sen
İki turnam gelir rengi yemyeşil
Biri İmam Hasan ol pak-i nesil
Biri imam Hüseyin cennette bir gül
Eylen turnam eylen Alimisin sen
Yoksa Hacı Bektaş Velimisin sen
İki turnam gelir rengi kırmızı
Biri İmam Zeynel sürelim yüzü
Birisi İmam Bakır edem niyazı
Eylen turnam eylen Alimisin sen
Yoksa Hacı Bektaş Velimisin sen
İki turnam gelir rengi caferi
Birisi imam Kazım ol yol rehberi
Biri İmam Rıza Horasan piri
Eylen turnam eylen Alimisin sen
Yoksa Hacı Bektaş Velimisin sen
İki turnam gelir rengi beyazdır
Biri Taki/Naki zikri niyazdır
Biri de Asker-i Mehdi hicazdır
Eylen turnam eylen Alimisin sen
Yoksa Hacı Bektaş Velimisin sen
Turnalar hicazdan sökün eyledi
Muhammed Mehdiyi yakın eyledi
Hakikat ehlini memnun eyledi
Eylen turnam eylen Alimisin sen
Yoksa Hacı Bektaş Velimisin sen
Turnalar geldiler verdiler selam
Aldım selamını eyledim kelam
İlhami şüpesiz gördüm vesselam
Eylen turnam eylen Alimisin sen
Yoksa Hacı Bektaş Velimisin sen
MY TWO CRANES ARE COMING THEIR
HEADS ILLUMINATED
Two cranes are coming their heads illuminated
One is Muhammed, the other is Ali
Slow down crane slow down are you Ali
Or are you Hacı Bektaş Veli
My two cranes come their colour greener
than green
One is Imam Hasan purer than pure
One is Imam Hüseyin a rose from heaven
Slow down crane slow down are you Ali
Or are you Hacı Bektaş Veli
Two cranes come, red in colour
One is Imam Zeynel touch him
one be İmam Bakır appeal to him
Slow down crane slow down are you Ali
Or are you Hacı Bektaş Veli
My two cranes come, caferi in colour
One is Imam Kazım guide to our path
One is Imam Rıza, Pir of Horasan
Slow down crane slow down are you Ali
Or are you Hacı Bektaş Veli
Two cranes come, white in colour
One is Taki/Naki request his chant
One is Asker-i Mehdi the holy place
Slow down crane slow down are you Ali
Or are you Hacı Bektaş Veli
Cranes are lifted from the holy place
Muhammed Mehdi he slowed and brough close
Acted for the People of the Truth
Slow down crane slow down are you Ali
Or are you Hacı Bektaş Veli
Cranes come and gave their greeting
Received your salute and put to word
The secret without a doubt I have seen Slow
down crane slow down are you Ali
Or are you Hacı Bektaş Veli
Summary: Two Cranes are coming with light on their head, one is Ali the other
Muhammed. Stop here crane are you Ali or may be Hace Bektas Veli. Two cranes
are coming the colour is green, one is Imam Hasan, the innocent, the other Imam
Huseyin, the rose from Heaven. Stop here crane are you Ali or may be Hace Bektas
Veli. Two cranes are coming red incolour, one is Imam Zeynel, we must touch his
face, other is Imam Bakir must be respected, Stop here crane are you Ali or may
be Hace Bektas Veli.... The cranes came and greet me, I return their greeting. Stop
here crane are you Ali or may be Hace Bektas Veli.
YARADAN AŞKINA (SEMAH)
Yaradan aşkına bir semah eyle
Özünü ol Hakka verde öyle gel
Şahın himmetiyle bir avaz eyle
Yüzünü turaba sürde öyle gel
Benim sevdiceğim ol Şahı merdan
Nasibimiz senden ola yaradan
Süreriz bu yolu bin yıl aradan
Serini meydana verde öyle gel
Turnam kaldır kollarını
Coşa gelde öyle yürü
Kırkların hoş sohbetini
Dile alda öyle yürü
Allah desen zikreylesen
Hak aşkına niyaz etsen
Çarkı pervaz semah tutsan
Şadıman ol öyle yürü
Hü Allah eyvallah
Çek katarı İllallah
Şahımerdan himmet eyle
Ayırma bu yoldan Allah
Muhammed Ali aşkına
Hasan Hüseyin aşkına
Pir aşkına şah aşkına
Ayırma bu yoldan Allah
Hü Allah eyvallah
Çek katarı İllallah
Şahımerdan himmet eyle
Ayırma bu yoldan Allah
Ali’yi seversen eylen dur turnam
Gönlünde kibiri silde öyle gel
Bu aşkın narına yanmak dilersen
Rehberin eteğin tutta öyle gel
Hızır ile yoldaş olayım dersen
Dertlerine derman bulayım dersen
Hak ile Hak olup gelmek istersen
Coşa gelde çarka girde öyle gel
Turnam sen dön çarkı pervaz
Mümin olsun sana yoldaş
Ali carımıza yetiş
Duanı al öyle yürü
Summary: Perform a semah in the name of the creator. Raise your arms crane.
Perform your semah for the love of Muhammed Ali, Hasan Huseyin, and our Pir, do
not divert us from this route.
Gitme Durnam Gitme
(Kırklar Semahı)
(Ağırlama)
Gitme Durnam Gitme Nerden Gelirsin
Sen Nazlı Canana Benzersin Durnam
Her Bakışta Beni Mecnun Edersin
Gönülde Mihmana Benzersin Durnam
Has Nenni Nenni
Dost Nenni Nenni
Kaşlarına Mim Duvası Yazılır
Cemaline Türlü Benler Dizilir
Seni Sevmeyenler Haktan Üzülür
Pir Balım Sultana Benzersin Durnam
Has Nenni Nenni
Dost Nenni Nenni
(Pervaz)
Pir Balım Sultana Benzersin Durnam
Yörüde Dilber Yörü Canana Yörü
Durnam Gökyüzünde Pervane Döner
Dertli Aşıklara Badeler Sunar
Aşıkların Senden İnayet Umar
Tabibe Lokmana Benzersin Durnam
Pir Balım Sultana Benzersin Durnam
(Yürütme)
Allah Allah Allah Allah
Hüdey Hüdey Hüdey Hüdey
Bugün Ben Pirimi Gördüm
Gelir Salını Salını
Selamına Karşı Durdum
Bağrım Delini Delini (Hüdey)
Gel Dedim Yanıma Geldi
Gamzesi Sinemi Deldi
Bir İzzetli Selam Verdi
Aldım Sevini Sevini (Hüdey)
Gaynadı Garıştı Ganım
Ezelden Severdi Canım
Sen Benimsin Bende Senin
Dedim Sevini Sevini (Allah)
(Dedim Sevini Sevini (Hüdey)
Dedem Oğlu Der Ağlatma
Yüreğim O De Dağlatma
Varıp Yadlara Bağlatma
Zülfün Telini Telini (Allah)
(Zülfün Telini Telini ) (Hüdey)
Tevhit
Hak bizi mahrum eyleme
Kurulsun ulu divanlar
Canımızı serimizi
Vermeye gelmişiz canlar
Hak Lâ ilâhe İllallah
İllallah şah İllalah
Ali mürşit güzel şah
Şahım eyvallah eyvallah
Cemallullah Feyzullah
Eyvallah şah eyvallah
Esti Muhabbet yelleri
Kokusu sarmış illeri
Cennet bağının gülleri
Dermeye gelmişiz canlar
Muhammet Ali Pirimiz
Kimseye çıkmaz sırrımız
Gönüllerdir yerimiz
Kalmaya gelmişiz canlar
Pir Sultan’ım El’aman
Şah’tan gele bize ferman
Güzel Pir’den derde derman
Almaya gelmişiz canlar
Summary: Do not leave crane, where are you
coming from? You remind me of my Pir crane.
I saw my Pir today, he greeted me, I greeted
him back, and my chest hurts. With happiness,
I said you are mine and I am yours.
Summary: We came to give our lives
in the holy assembly. The winds of
friendship blow. We came to collect
heaven’s roses, that the scent covers
all the cities. Ali is our Pir, we will not
share our secret with anyone else, our
place is in the hearts, and we came
to stay friends. The orders must come
from the Shah, we came to find solution
to our problems.