Nimri Dede’s poem about Atatürk and the War of Independence:

Nimri Dede’s poem about Atatürk and the War of Independence:

[Nimri Dede'nin öz adı İsmail Dehmen'dir. Kendisi Oğuzların Bayat boyundandır ve 19. yüzyılın sonunda, eski adı Nimri olan, Elazığ'a bağlı Pınarlar köyünde doğmuştur. Alevi olarak doğmasına rağmen diğer tarikatlara da saygı ve sevgi ile yaklaşmış, özellikle Rifailik, Melamilik ve Mevlevilik ile ilgilenmiştir. Hacca da giden Nimri Dede, Kerbela ve diğer yas yerlerine uğramış ve oralarda bir süre kalmıştır. Anlatılara göre ne zaman öleceğini öngörmüş ve ölüme hazırlanmıştır. Doktorun ona inanmamasına ve onu sağlıklı ilan etmesine rağmen öngördüğü günde kara toprağa kavuşmuştur.]

"When the states enter the heavenly homeland

A lion came out of his den

The news went to the sultan in the palace

There was an edict to keep him

The homeland was divided among the enemies

How can one resist this installment?

When the Turkish nation heard this, they immediately

There was a circulation in our noble blood

Mustafa Kemal fell before us

Death was always near for the enemies

He said, “The homeland will be saved”

For the war he became Commander in Chief

A delegation from the enemy arrived to explore

They saw it all braided

They said the Turk’s name will be erased

Then an unprecedented flood happened

First the flood started from Afyon

The lions roared and reared up immediately

The enemy was surprised in that doomsday

Everywhere became a furnace of fire

Allah has placed his fame on the Throne

The treacherous enemy thought we were unbelievers

Mountains and stones all burned in fire

The martyred sacrificed for the homeland

All the enemies withdrew from our country

The one who escaped escaped and fell into the remaining water

The glorious flag was planted everywhere

Our reputation as a hero in history

The era of captivity is now over

Then the Republic was established

Sovereignty has always been given to the nation

From that day to this day, your grandfather became a happy man

We didn’t dig a grave for you because you died.

Every power is in the blood of Turks, my Ata

We didn’t write any stones to plant on his grave.

Because you have a red flag with you, my Ata.

Our country is free as long as you leave

Our faith is firm, our love is strong

Our word is one for the sake of independence

We made a covenant like this, my Ata, on the day

This noble nation always walks in the shul

What a great state for those who say they are Turkish.

You have certainly made a name for yourself in the history of the world.

See what is written in your name, my Ata.

It’s been exactly fifty years since the Republic

May your noble nation always remember you

Wherever Nimri Dede hears your praise

My father bows down to you with respect."