Nâzim Hikmet Ran (1902-1963)
Nazım Hikmet was One of the most important figures in 20th century Turkish literature. In his lifetime he was known as the best-known Turkish poet in the West, and his poems were translated into several languages.
Akrep gibisin kardeşim,
korkak bir karanlık içindesin akrep gibi.
Serçe gibisin kardeşim,
serçenin telası içindesin.
Midye gibisin kardeşim,
midye gibi kapalı rahat.
Ve sönmüş bir yanardağ ağzı gibi korkunçsun, kardeşim.
Bir değil,
beş değil,
yüz milyonlarlasın maalesef.
Koyun gibisin kardeşim,
gocuklu celep kaldırınca sopasını
sürüye katılıverirsin hemen
ve adeta mağrur, koşarsın salhaneye.
Dünyanın en tuhaf mahlukusun yani,
hani şu derya icre olup
deryayı bilmiyen balıktan da tuhaf.
Ve bu dünyada, bu zulüm
senin sayende.
Ve açsak, yorgunsak, alkan içindeysek eğer ve hala şarabımızı vermek için üzüm gibi eziliyorsak
kabahat senin,
-demeğe de dilim varmıyor ama-
kabahatin çoğu senin, canım kardeşim
NAZIM HİKMET - 1947
You're like a scorpion, my brother,
you live in cowardly darkness
like a scorpion.
You're like a sparrow, my brother,
always in a sparrow's flutter.
You're like a clam, my brother,
closed like a clam, content,
And you're frightening, my brother,
like the mouth of an extinct volcano.
Not one,
not five-
unfortunately, you number millions.
You're like a sheep, my brother:
when the cloaked drover raises his stick,
you quickly join the flock
and run, almost proudly, to the slaughterhouse.
I mean you're strangest creature on earth-
even stranger than the fish
that couldn't see the ocean for the water.
And the oppression in this world
is thanks to you.
And if we're hungry, tired, covered with blood,
and still being crushed like grapes for our wine,
the fault is yours-
I can hardly bring myself to say it,
but most of the fault, my dear brother, is yours.
Translated by Randy Blasing and Mutlu Konuk (1993)
Join us while you discover the natural beauty of Istanbul along with its fascinating History. The former capital of three successive empires Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, Istanbul today is the meeting point of the past and present, modern And traditional, dreams and realities. Located on two continents Europe and Asia, Istanbul lets its visitors delve into its mesmerizing atmosphere at their first steps. The museums, churches, palaces, mosques and bazaars on the one hand and the sights of Natural beauty on the other waiting to be experienced and explored. Learn the language while exploring one of the most glorious cities in the word. Click here for more information!
Nazım Hikmet was One of the most important figures in 20th century Turkish literature. In his lifetime he was known as the best-known Turkish poet in the West, and his poems were translated into several languages.
DÜNYANIN EN TUHAF MAHLUKU
Akrep gibisin kardeşim,
korkak bir karanlık içindesin akrep gibi.
Serçe gibisin kardeşim,
serçenin telası içindesin.
Midye gibisin kardeşim,
midye gibi kapalı rahat.
Ve sönmüş bir yanardağ ağzı gibi korkunçsun, kardeşim.
Bir değil,
beş değil,
yüz milyonlarlasın maalesef.
Koyun gibisin kardeşim,
gocuklu celep kaldırınca sopasını
sürüye katılıverirsin hemen
ve adeta mağrur, koşarsın salhaneye.
Dünyanın en tuhaf mahlukusun yani,
hani şu derya icre olup
deryayı bilmiyen balıktan da tuhaf.
Ve bu dünyada, bu zulüm
senin sayende.
Ve açsak, yorgunsak, alkan içindeysek eğer ve hala şarabımızı vermek için üzüm gibi eziliyorsak
kabahat senin,
-demeğe de dilim varmıyor ama-
kabahatin çoğu senin, canım kardeşim
NAZIM HİKMET - 1947
THE STRANGEST CREATURE ON EARTH
You're like a scorpion, my brother,
you live in cowardly darkness
like a scorpion.
You're like a sparrow, my brother,
always in a sparrow's flutter.
You're like a clam, my brother,
closed like a clam, content,
And you're frightening, my brother,
like the mouth of an extinct volcano.
Not one,
not five-
unfortunately, you number millions.
You're like a sheep, my brother:
when the cloaked drover raises his stick,
you quickly join the flock
and run, almost proudly, to the slaughterhouse.
I mean you're strangest creature on earth-
even stranger than the fish
that couldn't see the ocean for the water.
And the oppression in this world
is thanks to you.
And if we're hungry, tired, covered with blood,
and still being crushed like grapes for our wine,
the fault is yours-
I can hardly bring myself to say it,
but most of the fault, my dear brother, is yours.
Translated by Randy Blasing and Mutlu Konuk (1993)
Selected Poems by Nazım Hikmet
"I mean you must take living so seriously that even at seventy, for example, you will plant olives - and not so they'll be left for your children either, but because even though you fear death you don't believe it, because living, I mean, weighs heavier."
(from 'On Living')
Online Turkish Classes
Are you interested in learning Turkish?- Conversation
- Travel preparation
- Pronunciation & Accent
- Vocabulary & Grammar
- Reading & Writing
Turkish Campus Summer Language Program In Istanbul
Turkish Campus offers a unique opportunity to improve your Turkish. Turkish Summer Language Program will be offered during summer of 2010 in Istanbul's historic and natural atmosphere.Join us while you discover the natural beauty of Istanbul along with its fascinating History. The former capital of three successive empires Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, Istanbul today is the meeting point of the past and present, modern And traditional, dreams and realities. Located on two continents Europe and Asia, Istanbul lets its visitors delve into its mesmerizing atmosphere at their first steps. The museums, churches, palaces, mosques and bazaars on the one hand and the sights of Natural beauty on the other waiting to be experienced and explored. Learn the language while exploring one of the most glorious cities in the word. Click here for more information!
Search Turkish Campus
Our Online Classes
- Beginning Turkish
- Intermediate Turkish
- Advanced Turkish
- Basic Turkish for short-term travelers
- Specialized Advanced Turkish Courses
Quick Links
- Turkish Lessons
- Turkish Campus Summer School
- Translation services
- Phone Interpretation services
- Send Gifts to Turkey
- Study Materials
- Employment opportunities
- Frequently Asked Questions
Surprise your loved ones in Turkey via Turkish Campus
You can send gifts to your loved ones in Turkey with us. Click here for more information!Dictionary Sözlük
Contact Us
If you have any questions about our services or you'd like to send your feedback, feel free to fill out our contact form: Contact UsYou can also call us at (760) 666-5554.
Skype Address: turkishcampus.