Tarihi Çevir - 20th Century Turkish Military Music
"Tarihi Çevir" (Turn the pages of history) is a captivating military march composed by the talented composer Cemal Cümbüş in the 1930s, with lyrics penned by M. Faruk Gürtunca. Set in the traditional Turkish makam (musical mode) of Segah and adopting the form of Mehter music, "Tarihi Çevir" embodies a rich cultural heritage. Its rhythmic structure follows the Nim Sofyan usul (rhythm), adding depth and complexity to the piece.
Cemal Cümbüş, born in Istanbul in 1912, was a prominent Turkish composer and musician renowned for his contributions to Turkish classical music. He was the younger son of Zeynel Abidin Cümbüş, with his elder brother being Fethi Cümbüş. From the 1930s onward, Cemal Cümbüş played a pivotal role in the revival of Mehter music, contributing significantly to reintroducing this traditional Ottoman military music. One of his notable contributions to this revival was the composition of the "Tarihi Çevir" march. Throughout his career, Cemal Cümbüş composed a wide array of pieces spanning classical to folk music, showcasing his deep appreciation for Turkish musical traditions. His compositions are celebrated for their beauty, innovation, and enduring cultural significance both within Turkey and internationally. He passed away in 1981.
Mehmet Faruk Gürtunca (1904, Edirne - August 5, 1982) was a Turkish educator, journalist, and politician. He graduated from the Edirne Teachers College and held various teaching positions in Istanbul. He served as a Turkish language teacher at Galatasaray High School's primary and secondary sections. Gürtunca was also a prolific writer, contributing to several magazines and newspapers. Additionally, he held ownership and editorial positions in various newspapers and printing establishments. Gürtunca was involved in several organizations, including serving as the President of the Turkish Press Association and the Turkish Educational Association Islamic Branch. He was elected as a member of the Turkish Parliament (TBMM) representing Istanbul during the XI. Legislative Term. Gürtunca was married and had three children.
Turkish Lyrics
Tarihi çevir nal sesi, kısrak sesi bunlar,
Delmiş Roma'nın kalbini mızrak gibi Hunlar.
Göktürkler, Uygurlar, Oğuzlar, Peçenekler,
Türkün yüce tarihine binbir zafer ekler.
Dünya atının nalları altında ezildi,
Kaç Haçlı sefer göğsüne çarpınca kesildi.
Bir gün gemiler dağlara tırmandı denizden,
Kudret ve zafer bizlere miras dedemizden.
English Translation
Turn the pages of history, these are the sounds of horseshoes, the sounds of mares,
Like spears, the Huns pierced the heart of Rome.
Göktürks, Uyghurs, Oghuz, Pechenegs,
Add a thousand and one victories to the noble history of the Turks.
The world was crushed under the horseshoes of Turkish horses,
How many Crusades were stopped when they hit your chest.
One day, ships climbed mountains from the sea,
Power and victory, inheritance to us from our ancestors.