Song of the High Hills

"Yüksek Yüksek Tepelere" is one of Türkiye's most beloved and universally known folk songs. This folk song expresses the feeling of "longing" that arises from being separated from loved ones and one’s home. It is traditionally sung during henna nights before weddings, to share the sorrow of the bride’s separation from her family.

The Sad Story of the Folk Song

In ancient times, there lived a very beautiful girl named Zeynep. When she turned sixteen, she was sent as a bride to a village far away from her home. At that time, travel was not as easy as it is today with airplanes or fast cars; the distance between Zeynep’s new village and her own village was exactly three days and three nights. Zeynep deeply missed her family but was unable to see them for seven full years. Overcome by this profound longing, she climbed the highest hill in her new village and gazed toward her homeland, expressing her emotions through the words of this folk song.

What Does the Folk Song Tell Us?

In the lyrics of the song, Zeynep pleads that high hills should not be settled upon and that children should not be sent far away from their families. She asks the flying birds, "Let them know," pleading that even the free-flying birds in the sky should carry news of her to her mother and father. The "high hills" and "distant lands" mentioned in this folk song symbolize the difficult distances that separate us from our loved ones. Zeynep’s intense longing was so powerful that it made her fall ill and bedridden.

The Indispensable Part of Henna Nights

Today, no matter where you go in Türkiye, you will always hear this folk song sung at a henna night. As the song is performed, brides and their families experience both the excitement of a new beginning and the sweet sadness of parting. This tradition continually reminds us of the preciousness of family bonds and the value of being close to those we love.

A Journey Through Time

This famous folk song originates from the city of Edirne in Türkiye’s Thrace region. It has been passed down orally from generation to generation for hundreds of years, remaining an "anonymous" part of our folk heritage.

Yüksek Yüksek Tepelere is sung during henna ceremonies (generated by artificial intelligence.)