Thousand-year-old Oghuz tales
Dede Korkut
Thousand-year-old tales, told by the fire.
Boğaç Khan wrestling a bull, Deli Dumrul challenging the Angel of Death, Basat outwitting the one-eyed giant Tepegöz. The tales told by Dede Korkut are here to read, to listen to and to live.
Dede Korkut
Twelve tales
The Dresden manuscript of the Book of Dede Korkut contains twelve tales. The ones in colour are ready; the rest are on their way.
Boğaç, Son of Dirse Khan
A boy who earns his name by facing a bull, the lies of jealous men, and a mother who never stops searching.
The Plundering of Salur Kazan's Camp
While Kazan is away hunting, enemies raid his camp and take his wife Burla and son Uruz captive. A shepherd shows Kazan the way.
Bamsı Beyrek, Son of Kam Büre
Promised to Banıçiçek since the cradle, Beyrek is taken captive on his wedding night. Sixteen years later he returns home in disguise.
The Captivity of Uruz, Son of Kazan
Salur Kazan takes his son Uruz on his first raid to teach him courage. When Uruz is captured, his mother Burla sets out after him too.
Deli Dumrul, Son of Duha Koca
A young man who challenges the Angel of Death, his search for someone to give a life for his, and the love that changes everything.
Kan Turalı, Son of Kanglı Koca
Seeking a bride stronger than himself, Kan Turalı fights a bull, a lion and a camel for Selcan. When he is in danger, it is Selcan who saves him.
Yigenek, Son of Kazılık Koca
Kazılık Koca has been a prisoner in the fortress of Düzmürd for sixteen years. His son Yigenek marches on the fortress with the Oghuz lords to free him.
How Basat Killed Tepegöz
A giant that no arrow can pierce and no sword can cut, and the hero who defeats him with wit rather than strength.
Emren, Son of Begil
Offended by Kazan, Begil withdraws to his own lands and is wounded while hunting. When enemies seize the moment, his young son Emren goes to battle in his place.
Segrek, Son of Uşun Koca
Learning that his elder brother Egrek is a prisoner in the fortress of Alınca, Segrek leaves his own wedding to find him. The two brothers meet without recognising each other.
Salur Kazan's Captivity and His Rescue by Uruz
Salur Kazan is taken prisoner and spends years in a dungeon. It falls to his son Uruz to set out and free him.
The Revolt of the Outer Oghuz and the Death of Beyrek
The lords of the Outer Oghuz unite against Salur Kazan. Aruz Koca's treachery costs Beyrek his life, and the book closes with this bitter tale.
Podcast
Listen by the fire
One tale per episode, told in Dede Korkut's own voice, with the kopuz and a crackling fire. The podcast is in Turkish and is best heard in order, starting with the Introduction.
Introduction: Who Was Dede Korkut?
Boğaç, Son of Dirse Khan
Deli Dumrul, Son of Duha Koca
How Basat Killed Tepegöz
App
Read, listen, live
Original illustrations on every page, narration in a grandfather's voice, and Live mode, where you make the choices and reach one of five endings in every tale. Fully offline and suitable for all ages.
The Book
Who was Dede Korkut?
The wise bard of the Oghuz, master of the kopuz and teller of tales. A short guide to the manuscripts, the Oghuz world and the Dede Korkut heritage inscribed by UNESCO in 2018.
For families and teachers
From story to conversation
Age-appropriate conversation questions and small activities for every tale, for the classroom or the kitchen table.