Young Osman Ballad

"Genç Osman Türküsü" is a legendary folk ballad that recounts the heroism of a young warrior from Aksaray who fell martyr during the Ottoman campaign to Baghdad in the 17th century. The lyrics and story of the ballad have been preserved in various versions across different regions of Anatolia.

The Story of Genç Osman

Osman was born in 1621 in the village of Dorikini in Aksaray. He lost his father at a young age and was raised by his mother. He excelled in wrestling archery and swordsmanship and was known among his peers for his bravery. In 1638 he wished to join Sultan IV. Murad’s campaign to Baghdad but was rejected due to his young age. Undeterred Osman secretly joined the army. As the forces approached Baghdad he caught the sultan’s attention and earned admiration for his courage. During battle while planting the Ottoman banner on the city walls Osman was killed in action. His heroism led to his being remembered as "Genç Osman" and the ballad spreading from mouth to mouth throughout the people.

Chronological Sequence

Introduction Section

1. The war against Baghdad during the reign of Sultan Murad. 2. The conscription of young men with combed beards. 3. The desire of a young man named Genç Osman to join the army. 4. His pressing the comb against his upper lip as a sign of readiness. 5. Genç Osman’s mother’s reluctance to send her son to war. 6. The commander telling the mother “I will bring him back” without saying “God willing.”

Development Section

1. The commander testing Genç Osman on the march by asking him questions. 2. Genç Osman’s friend Köçekçioğlu accompanying him to war. 3. Genç Osman informing the commander that the soldiers’ feet were bare. 4. The commander recognizing the importance of Genç Osman’s observation. 5. Upon further questioning the commander learns the soldiers are hungry. 6. The commander ensures the soldiers are fed. 7. The setting up of tents near the seat of the Baghdad government. 8. At night Osman leaves his tent and goes to the edge of a ditch. 9. Osman attempts to infiltrate the enemy headquarters by changing his clothes. 10. He gains entry under the pretense of selling eggs. 11. He sells the eggs and impresses the people. 12. Osman visits the home of a woman. 67 13. The woman hides Osman by seating him on a wooden board placed over a tub full of milk. 14. The enemy searches house to house for Genç Osman. 15. The fortune-tellers cannot locate Osman sitting atop the milk. 16. The men are executed for failing to find Genç Osman. 17. Osman leaves the woman’s house. 18. Upon returning to the headquarters he leaps across the ditch. 19. Seeing him jump the other soldiers follow suit. 20. The battle with the enemy begins.

Conclusion Section

1. Around noon a sword blow strikes Genç Osman on the neck. 2. His entire neck is severed by the enemy. 3. The battle continues for three days. 4. Genç Osman and his friend Köçekçioğlu are martyred. 5. The soldiers return from Baghdad. 6. Genç Osman’s mother sets out on the road to find her son. 7. She cannot find her son among the returning troops. 8. The commander struggles to tell the mother that her son has been martyred. 9. The mother realizes her son has been killed. 10. The army returns to Istanbul victorious from the war. 11. Sultan Murad inquires about Genç Osman. 12. They inform him that the hero of the battle has been martyred.^【1】

Lyrics of the Genç Osman Ballad

Of of Genç Osman a little page

With an ibrişim belt tied at his waist of of.

Aman the first page among the soldiers

Genç Osman passed by saying “Allah Allah” of of.

Of of Genç Osman a little lion

No one can enter the heart of Baghdad of of.

Aman not every mother bears such a lion

Genç Osman passed by saying “Allah Allah” of of.

Of of Genç Osman opened the gates of Baghdad

The enemy fled before him of of.

Aman he fought for three days with his head in his lap

Genç Osman passed by saying “Allah Allah” of of.^【2】