Yeni Plevne Marşı - 20th Century Turkish Military Music
"Plevne Marşı" (Plevna March) or "Osman Paşa Marşı" (Osman Pasha March) is a march that revolves around Osman Pasha, who commanded the Ottoman forces during the Defense of Plevna. Its musical scale is Kurdî, and its tone is Con tristezza, an Italian term meaning "with sadness." I was rearranged for the Mehter bands in the 20th century.
In 1910, the march, with slightly different lyrics under the name "Eski Plevne March," was performed by Hafız Yaşar Bey and the Saz Ensemble and recorded. It was noted in the records that the composition of the march was attributed to Mehmet Ali Bey (1840-1895). However, other sources suggest that the lyrics were by Mithat Efendi, and the composition was by Dikran Çuhacıyan, who had Armenian origins. Some sources even claim that the lyrics were by Georges Pera and the music by Edouard Taxim, although it is known that these names were pseudonyms for real individuals. Ignazcz Kunos states in his work "Turkish Folk Literature" that he collected the Plevne Song from a child boatman in Ruse in 1888.
Turkish Lyrics
Tuna Nehri akmam diyor,
Etrafımı yıkmam diyor,
Şanı büyük Osman Paşa,
Plevne'den çıkmam diyor.
Düşman Tuna'yı atladı,
Karakolları yokladı,
Osman Paşa'nın kolunda,
Beş bin top birden patladı.
English Translation
The Danube says "I won't flow,"
"I won't destroy my surroundings",
The great Osman Pasha,
He says "I won't leave Plevne."
The enemy has crossed the Danube,
And checked the outposts.
On Osman Pasha's arm,
Five thousand cannons exploded.