Namik Kemal

Namık Kemal

Namık Kemal is a famous Turkish poet, playwright, and journalist. He was born on December 2, 1840, in the city of Tekirdağ. Kemal lived during a time of great change in the Ottoman Empire. He is well-known for his strong ideas about freedom, democracy, and reform.

Namık Kemal studied in Istanbul, the capital of the empire. He loved literature and wrote many poems and plays that express his feelings and opinions. Kemal believed that people should have rights and freedom. He criticized the government and spoke out against injustice.

One of his most important works is a play called "Vatan Yahut Silistre," which means "The Homeland or Silistre." This play is about the importance of fighting for one’s country. It shows how much he loved Turkey and wanted to see it free and strong.

Kemal was also a journalist. He wrote articles that encouraged people to think about their rights and the future of their country. Because of his ideas, he faced a lot of trouble with the government. He was imprisoned for a time because he spoke against the rulers.

Despite the challenges he faced, Namık Kemal continued to write and fight for his beliefs. He is remembered today as one of the pioneers of modern Turkish literature. His works inspire many people to think about freedom and justice. He passed away on December 2, 1888, but his contributions to Turkish culture and literature continue to be celebrated.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. When and where was Namık Kemal born?

   - a) 1840 in Istanbul

   - b) 1840 in Tekirdağ

   - c) 1888 in Istanbul

2. What were some of Namık Kemal's main beliefs?

   - a) Wealth and power

   - b) Freedom, democracy, and reform

   - c) Travel and adventure

3. What is the title of Namık Kemal's famous play?

   - a) "Silistre"

   - b) "Vatan Yahut Silistre"

   - c) "Freedom"

4. What message does the play "Vatan Yahut Silistre" convey?

   - a) The importance of travel

   - b) The importance of fighting for one’s country

   - c) The importance of friendship

5. Why did Namık Kemal face trouble with the government?

   - a) Because he was a poet

   - b) Because he wrote articles that criticized the government

   - c) Because he traveled too much

6. What impact did Namık Kemal have on Turkish literature?

   - a) He is not well-remembered today.

   - b) He is recognized as a pioneer of modern Turkish literature.

   - c) He only wrote poems and did not influence literature.

7. When did Namık Kemal pass away?

   - a) 1840

   - b) 1888

   - c) 1900

Answers:

1. b) 1840 in Tekirdağ

2. b) Freedom, democracy, and reform

3. b) "Vatan Yahut Silistre"

4. b) The importance of fighting for one’s country

5. b) Because he wrote articles that criticized the government

6. b) He is recognized as a pioneer of modern Turkish literature.

7. b) 1888

Vatan: The Homeland

Our concern, our thoughts, is the future of our homeland,  

Our fortress at the border is our sacred soil.  

We are Ottoman, our jewel is the bloody shroud,  

In the strife, we attain everything through martyrdom,  

We are Ottoman, we give our lives, we gain our name.

Our flag is visible with blood and sword,  

Fear of death does not roam in our fields or mountains.  

In every corner, a lion lies in our land,  

In the strife, we attain everything through martyrdom,  

We are Ottoman, we give our lives, we gain our name.

The name of the Ottomans shakes all who hear it;  

The might of our ancestors is known throughout the world.  

Do not think that nature changes! This blood is still the same blood,  

In the strife, we attain everything through martyrdom,  

We are Ottoman, we give our lives, we gain our name.

Let the cannon fire, let the flames scatter all around,  

May the gate of heaven open for those who give their lives,  

What have we found in this world that we would escape death?  

In the strife, we attain everything through martyrdom,  

We are Ottoman, we give our lives, we gain our name.

Vatan

Âmâlimiz efkârımız ikbâl-i vatandır

Serhadimize kal’a bizim hâk-i bedendir

Osmanlılarız ziynetimiz kanlı kefendir

Gavgâda şehâdetle bütün kâm alırız biz

Osmanlılarız, cân veririz, nâm alırız biz.

Kan ile kılıçdır görünen bayrağımızda

Cân korkusu gezmez ovamızda, dağımızda

Her gûşede bir şîr yatar toprağımızda

Gavgâda şehâdetle bütün kâm alırız biz

Osmanlılarız, cân veririz, nâm alırız biz.

Osmanlı adı her duyana lerze-resândır;

Ecdâdımızın heybeti ma'rûf-ı cihândır

Fıtrat değişir sanma! Bu kan yine o kandır

Gavgâda şehâdetle bütün kâm alırız biz

Osmanlılarız, cân veririz, nâm alırız biz.

Top patlasın, âteşleri etrâfa saçılsın

Cennet kapısı cân veren ihvâna açılsın

Dünyâda ne bulduk ki ölümden de kaçılsın

Gavgâda şehâdetle bütün kâm alırız biz

Osmanlılarız, cân veririz, nâm alırız biz.

Here’s a rhymed version of the translation of the poem to capture its poetic essence:

Homeland 

Our concern and thoughts are the fate of our land,  

Our fortress at the border, our sacred sand.  

As Ottomans, we wear our bloody shroud with pride,  

In struggle and in martyrdom, we stand side by side;  

We are Ottomans, our lives we’ll give, our names abide.

Our flag bears the mark of blood and the sword,  

In fields and mountains, we fear not the horde.  

In every corner, a lion rests deep in our soil,  

Through turmoil and sacrifice, we earn our toil;  

We are Ottomans, our lives we’ll give, our names we’ll uncoil.

The name of Ottomans makes all who hear tremble,  

The strength of our ancestors, forever we assemble.  

Do not believe that our nature can change,  

This blood runs the same, its spirit will range;  

In struggle and in martyrdom, we rise and exchange.

Let the cannons roar, let the flames spread wide,  

May heaven's gate open for those who’ve defied.  

What in this world makes us flee from our fate?  

In struggle and in martyrdom, we celebrate;  

We are Ottomans, our lives we’ll give, our names are our state.