Lyrics and their translation

The song texts were put down in Turkish ortography by Ufuk Tavkul with relevant commentaries, and he translated the Karachay texts into Turkish. Éva Csáki translated them from Turkish into Hungarian and she annotated the texts.

• • Ex.1. Gollu (Song of the ancient religion), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Janikoy, 2000

Aş aşamaydıla ma bizni caşla, oyra Gollu

Da suw içmeyle da ma bizni qızla, oyra Gollu

Keçe teşinib da catmayla, deydi, oyra Gollu

Kündüz kiyinib da qaçmayla deydi, oyra Gollu

Our young men do not eat food,

Our young women do not drink water, oyra,1 Gollu,2

They do not undress at night for bed,

They get dressed for the day, but they don’t sneak away, oyra, Gollu.

• • Ex.2.1a. Zikir (religious song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, outskirts of Nalchik, 2000

Kök bla cerni arası

Bashıç bolsun ya Allah

Türklüleni qılıçları

Kesgiç bolsun ya Allah

Anwar biy bolġıyed

Kafkazyanı paşası

Bizni bu halġa salġan

Soltan Raşid caşasın

Between Heaven and earth

Let there be a ladder, oh, Allah!

Let the sword of the Turks

Be sharp, oh, Allah!

If only Enver pasha had been

The lord of the Caucasus!

Long live Sultan Rashid

Whose grace brought us here!3

• • Ex.2.1b. Rhyme, Turkey, Yağlıpınar, 2005

Cüw cüw cüw ala4

Eki cıpcıq suw ala

Qazi qumuqdan keleme

İt çabhand da öleme

Amma boza bişirir

Akka açha tüşürür

Chirp, chirp, twittering

Two sparrows are drinking water.

I’m coming from Gazi Kumyk5,

I’ve been attacked by a dog, I’ll die.

Grandma’s cooking boza6,

Grandpa’s earning money.

• • Ex.2.2. Dance tune, Turkey, Eskishehir Karachay Society, 2005

Meni alaşam çabhan eted hay hay hay hay

Qızġanlay da qabhan eted hay hay hay hay

Arı aylan da salam aşa

Beri aylan da biçen aşa

Aşamasaŋ talaw7 aşa!

My horse races nicely,

It bites if it’s upset.

Turn that way, eat some hay,

Turn this way, eat dried grass.

If you don’t eat, plague on you!

• • Ex.2.3a. Zikir (religious song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, outskirts of Nalchik, 2000

Sözüm awwalı – bismillah

Ekinçi – alhamdulillah

Salat-salam8

Ahlusuna-ashablaġa

Aŋŋa tabiy bolġanlaġa

Din colunda turġanlaġa

Razı bolsun sıylı Allah

Din colunda tutsun illah

My first word is bismillah9,

The second is elhamdülillah10.

We ask for blessing for the prophet,

His relatives, his advocates.

May the believers be loyal to him,

May those who walk the path of religion

Be accepted by Allah!

May he keep them on the path of religion!

• • Ex.2.3b. From the Nart epic (Eliya), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Kashha Tav, 2000

Aşırdıla bizni Nartla quçaqlaşıb Eliya11

Saqlaydıla bizni Nartla cuvuqlaşıb Eliya

Qara qarġa col nögerdi bizge barırġa Eliya

Kim biledi qaytırbızmı biz a endi Eliya

Taw başında Nartla tamır qazadıla Eliya

Alanı qatınları saqlaydıla Eliya

Ala bügün cortuwulġa ketgendile Eliya

Kim biledi ala sawlay qaytırlamı Eliya

Before going to a battle, the Narts embrace, Eliya,

The Narts are waiting, ever closer, Eliya.

A black crow is the companion on the way to us, Eliya,

Who knows if we will ever return, Eliya.

On the mountain top the Narts extract iron, Eliya,

Women are waiting for them, Eliya.

They have gone on a marauding raid today, Eliya,

Who knows if they will return safe and sound, Eliya.

• • Ex.2.4a. Jir – to a son joining the army, Turkey, Yağlıpınar, 2005

Oy quwanç ete kelirse canım camaġatıŋa, eliŋe

Burulub burulub baradı ol Erzurumnu ullu colları

Men mından qarab körmeyme Palantökenni tawların

Seni amaltın eridi canım eki közümü cawları

Altından kamar taġarıqma süygen qızıŋı beline

Quwanç bla kelgeyeŋ canım camaġatıŋa eliŋe

You’re coming home to your village in joy, my darling,

The long roads of Erzurum are meandering with you.

I can’t see the mountains of Palandöken,

I’ve cried my eyes out for you, my darling.

I will tie a golden girth round your waist, darling,

If only you’d come home to your village happily, my darling!

• • Ex.2.4b. Jir, Turkey, Yakapınar – Ertuğrul, 2005

Qaranlık gece qara cılan bla qalay catayım hoy

Seni amaltım başımı suwġa qalay atayım hoy

How shall I go to bed with a black serpent in a dark night?

How shall I plunge into the river for you?

• • Ex.2.5. Zikir, Turkey, Eskishehir Karachay Society, 2005

Allah bersin pubmillerge payġambarnı şafaġatından

Ya hu yaman hu yamanilissan illa hu

rs through the intercession of the prophet

Oh, Allah …12

• • Ex.3.1. Zikir (Turkish), Turkey, Yazılıkaya, 2005

Şu cennetin ırmakları

Akar Allah deyu, deyu

Çıkmış İslam bülbülleri

Öter Allah deyu, deyu

Aydan aydındır yüzleri

Şekerden tatlı sözleri

Cennet huri kızları

Gezer Allah deyu deyu

The streams of this heaven

Are gurgling the name of Allah.

The larks of Islam have flown off,

They are singing the name of Allah.

His face is brighter than the Moon,

His words are sweeter than sugar.

The angels of Paradise are strolling

Saying and saying the name of Allah.

Note: This ilahi (religious hymn) was sung in Turkish.

• • Ex.3.2. Mevlid (religious song), Turkey, Bolvadin, 2005

Muslimanlar aytayım siz mawlutha tıŋŋılaġız

Payġambarnı halların başdan ayaq aŋŋılaġız

Men başlab aytayım boluşlusun bolurun

Halqdan alġın caratdı payġambar bolluq nurun

Anı üçün caratdı ceti köknü cerleni

Anı üçün boldurdu tişileni erleni

Taza bolġan atadan sıylı anaġa aylana

Ata ana aşhısı payġambarġa saylana

Muslims, listen to my death lament

About the life of the prophets from the beginning to the end!

I’m going to sing it from the beginning to the end:

He first created light that later turned into the prophet.

He created seven heavens and the earth for him,

He created males and females for him.

He guided him from a true father to a noble mother,

So that the prophet shall be born to the best of the selected mothers and fathers!

Note: Allah picked the father and mother of the prophet from noble and pure people.

• • Ex.3.3a. Zikir, Turkey, outskirts of Eskishehir, 2005

Muslimanlar aytayım siz mewlütge tıŋŋılaġız

Payġambarnı halların başdan ayaq aŋŋılaġız

Alġın başlab aytayım boluşlusun bolurun

Halqdan alġın carathand paygambar bolluq nürün

Muslims, listen to my death lament

On the life of the prophets from the beginning to the end!

I’ll sing the beginning up to the future:

He first created light, which later became the prophet.

• • Ex.3.3b. Dance tune, Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2003

Ullu suwnu köpürü

Ekibiz minsek költürür

Men da seni allıġem

Ol gawur ataŋ öltürür

Qolumdaġı cüzügüm

Qorġaşinley awurdu

Seni wa maŋŋa bermegen

Ceti Orusdan gawurdu

On the bridge of the great river

We can cross both of us, it can carry us.

I wanted to marry you,

Your ghiaour father is killing me.

The ring in my hand

Is heavy like lead.

The one who refuses to let me marry you

Is more ghiaour than seven Russians.

• • Ex.4.1. Dance tune on the accordion, Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2001
• • Ex.4.2. Zikir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, outskirts of Nalchik, 2000

Allah bizni da caratdı

Kimni arı, kimni beri atdı

Şukur bolsun ullu Allaha

İslam dinine qaratdı

Payġambarla arasında

Köb zamanla anı ötdürdü

Şuqur bolsun ullu Allahha

Habibni bizge cetdirdi

Allah has created us, too.

He placed one here, the other there,

Let us praise Allah!

He has guided us towards Islam.

He has often put him in front

Among the prophets.

Thanks to Allah the glorious,

He has sent us our beloved [prophet Mohammad].

• • Ex.4.3. Orayda, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Teberdi, 2000

Qab-qaradıla seni qaşlarıŋ

Anı tübünden közleriŋ

Cürek cawumu aşab baralla

Ol meŋŋe aythan sözleriŋ

Your eyebrows are coal-black,

As are your eyes beneath them.

The shell around my heart

Is cracked off by your words to me.

• • Ex.4.4. from the Nart epic, Kabard-Balkar Republic, concert in Nalchik, 2000

Şurtuq elden çıġıb barabız, oy da orira oy,

Nart Örüzmek a allıbızdadı, oy da orira oy,

Anı cüregi qanıbızdadı, oy da orira oy,

Anı öhtemligi barıbızdadı, oy da orira oy,

Qarlı tawlaġa biz ceterikbiz, oy da orira oy,

Dommayla qırıb biz keltirlikbiz, oy da orira oy,

We set out from Shurtuk’s country, oy da orira, oy,

Örüzmek13Nart is going in front, oy da orira, oy.

His courage is in our blood, oy da orira, oy,

His bravery is shared by us all, oy da orira, oy,

We reach the snow-capped peaks rapidly, oy

da orira, oy,

We kill bisons and bring them, oy da orira, oy.

• • Ex.5.1. Dance tune, Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2001

Senden sora qaysı tawdu

Aruwluq bla bay bolġan

Başı qış bolub, beli caz bolub

Eteklerinde cay bolġan

Are there mountains other than you,

That abound in so much beauty?

Winter on the summits, spring on the slopes,

There is summer at their feet.

• • Ex.5.2. Tepena, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogari Malkar, 2000

Oyra, oyra Tepena oyra Tepena

Tepenanı tebsegiz oyra Tepena

Oyra, oyra Tepena oyra Tepena

Oŋŋa solġa barıġız oyra Tepena

Oyra, oyra Tepena oyra Tepena

Caşla aruw tebseyle oyra Tepena

Oyra, oyra Tepena oyra Tepena

Qızla aruw tebseyle oyra Tepena

Oyra, oyra, Tepena,14 oyra, Tepena,

Dance Tepena’s dance, oyra, Tepena!

Oyra, Tepena, oyra, Tepena,

Move right, move left, oyra, Tepena!

Oyra, Tepena, oyra, Tepena,

Lads are dancing it real nicely, oyra, Tepena!

Oyra, Tepena, oyra, Tepena,

Lassies are dancing it finely, oyra, Tepena!

• • Ex.6.1. Dance tune on the accordion, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik concert, 2000
• • Ex.6.2. Zikir in Turkish, Kabard-Balkar Republic, outskirts of Nalchik, 2000

Bu cennetin ırmakları

Akar Allah deyu, deyu

Çıkmış İslam bülbülleri

Öter Allah deyu, deyu

Aydan aydındır yüzleri

Şekerden tatlı sözleri

Cennet huri kızları

Gezer Allah deyu deyu

The streams of this heaven

Are gurgling the name of Allah.

The larks of Islam have flown off,

They are singing the name of Allah.

Their faces are brighter than the Moon,

Their words are sweeter than sugar,

The angels of heaven are strolling

Reiterating the name of Allah.

• • Ex.6.3 Dance tune, Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2001

Zıŋŋırdaydı telefon

Uzatama qolumu

Aŋŋılathan qıyındı

Cüregimi bolumun

Tanımasam da seni

Körmesem da ömürde

Seni nazik awazıŋ

İleşdirdi kesine

The phone is ringing,

I reach out to answer,

It’s hard to pour out

The sorrow of my heart.

Though I don’t know you,

I have never seen you.

Hearing your thin voice

Has kindled my fire.

• • Ex.6.4. Zikir in Arabic, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogari Malkar (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007
• • Ex.6.5. Zikir, Turkey, Belpınar, 2005

Bismillah deb başlayıq

Salat salam aytayıq

Adet etib künde cetmiş

Biz tobaġa qaytayıq

Har bir işni allında

Bismillahnı oquġuz

Bismillahsız iş etsegiz

İbilis bolur şohuġuz

Let’s start with the name of God,

Let’s ask blessing for the prophet.

Seventy times a day, as usual,

Let us repent of our sins!

Before we do anything

Let us mention God’s name!

If you work without doing so,

Satan will be your friend.

• • Ex.6.6. Zikir (in Turkish), Turkey, Yakapınar – Ertuğrul, 2001

Aman mü’min, canım mü’min

Muhammedi gördün mü

Şimdi burdan geçip gitti

Çeşmeye de sorsan bilir

Aman çeşme, canım çeşme

Aman çeşme, canım çeşme

Muhammedi gördün mü

Şimdi burdan abdest aldı

Camiye de sorsan bilir

Oh, true believer, dear true believer,

Have you seen Muhammad?

He has just passed by,

If you ask the spring, it will know.

Oh, spring, dear spring,

Oh, spring, dear spring,

Have you seen Muhammad?

He has just done the ablution,

If you ask the mosque, it will know.

• • Ex.6.7. Mevlid, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Karachaevsk, 2005

Payġambarla tüşünde közüw közüw keldile

Qarnındaġı caşından süyümçülük berdile

Senden sıylı ullu Allah bir qatınnı körmedi

Saŋŋa bergen balanı bir anaġa bermedi

In his dream the prophets arrived one after the other,

They brought her news about the baby under her heart.

The Mighty Allah has never seen a woman dearer than you,

He has given his son to you of all mothers.

• • Ex.7.1. Iynar, Turkey, outskirts of Eskishehir, 2005

Keçe cuqlab bir tüş kördüm

Allah da aytsa hayırdı

Seni da maŋŋa almaġan

Gavur ulu gavurdu

I had a dream at night,

I hope it is a divine signal.

He who does not buy you for me,15

Is the worst of all infidels.

• • Ex.7.2. Zikir, Turkey, Belpınar, 2005

Ay qarnaşla tıŋŋılaġız

Mından oyum alayıq

Aŋŋa oylanıb tüzelib

Carıq betden marayıq

Bir adam umut etmesin

Bu dunyada caşarġa

Uzaq uzun har zaman

Dunyadagın aşarġa

Listen to me, brothers,

Let it be a lesson!

Let’s think over our matters and settle them,

Let’s listen with shining faces!16

No one should hope

They can live for ever!

For ever and ever,

Consuming worldly goods.

• • Ex.7.3. Iynar (love song), Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2001

Qobuz soġa turama

On altı bardı tüyegi

Gabatiy biyge da uşaydı

Süygenimi da cüregi

Ustol üsünde bir alma

Men da almayma sen da alma

Men barmaġan toylaġa

Da sen da barıb qıynalma

I play the accordion,

It has sixteen buttons.

The heart of my darling

Is like that of Mr Gabatiy.

There’s an apple on the table,

I won’t take it, you shouldn’t take it!

To the wedding feasts, where I never go,

You shouldn’t go, either!

• • Ex.7.4. Funny song, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 2000

Oy, sandıraq, sandıraq

Sandıraqnı sanayım

Quwançıŋa barayım

Seyiriŋe qarayım

İndirisni Mahayı

Qaşhasında hahayı

Oy Mahayım, Mahaylay

Sırtha çıġıb hahaylay

Ay, rubbish, rubbish,

I’m counting the rubbishy talk.

I’ll go and see where he is,

So that he’ll be happy.

Indiris Mahay

Scalp disease, screaming.

Alas, my Mahay, my Mahay!

I keep shouting, climbing the peak.

Comment: The nonsensical text imitates how one raves while dreaming at night.

• • Ex.7.5. Iynar (mocking song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Bızıngı, 2000

Suw boynuna barġanma

Suw bla birge cılarġa

Bir-eki iynarla da men aythanma

Seni halleriŋi sınarġa

Seni halleriŋi sınasam haman

Amandan aman caşsa sen

Senden igini daġı tabmasam

İzlerme deb aylanama men

I got to the river bank,

To weep together with the stream.

I sang a song or two,

I tried to depict you.

If I try to describe you,

You’re a bad boy, worse than the worst,

I won’t find one better than you,

Yet I’ll try it, I’ll see about it.

• • Ex.8.1a. Biynöger (heroic song), Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Karachaevsk, 2000

Oy atasından a cigit tuwġan Biynöger

Tamada qarnaşıŋ ol it awruwdan awruydu

Ol aŋŋa cararıq ol aq maralnı sütüdü

Anı tutarıq a ana qarındaşıŋı itidi

His fatherʼs valiant son, Biynöger has been born,

Your brother is lying in bed with scabies,

The milk of the white roe would be balm for him,

It’s your uncle’s dog alone that can catch the roe.

• • Ex.8.1b. Iynar, Turkey, Kilisa – Orhaniye, 2001

Tawlada aylaŋŋan kiyikle

Kiyikni ullusu cuġutur

Aman tişiruwġa sırılsaŋ da

Emegenden aman suwutur

Among the mountain game

The mountain goat is the biggest.

Coming across a bad woman

Is more harmful than a witch.

• • Ex.8.2a. Iynar, Turkey, Doğlat, 2001

Biz çıqġan edik a voy Ullu Bashandan üzülüb

Da kirgen edik şam Teberdige voy voy tizilib

Biz umut etgenek ullu Teberdide caşarġa

Bizge buyurulmad Muhunu da budayından aşarġa

Kel aruwçuġum alıb keteyim voyra rirara voy

Beri cuwuq kelçi oŋ canıma

Seni anama kelin eteyim

Oltur meni caŋŋı maşinama

We left Ullu Bashan for good,

And reached holy Teberdi.

We’d hoped we could live there,

But we had no luck to eat from Muhu’s wheat.

Come on, sweetheart, let’s do it,

Come here to my right side!

I’ll make you my mother’s daughter-in-law,

Get into my new cart!

Comment: Ullu Bashan and Teberdi are among the best-known Karachay settlements. Muhu is the name of a Karachay plain.

• • Ex.8.2b. Hummed dance tune, Turkey, Kilisa – Orhaniye, 2001
• • Ex.8.3a. Iynar, Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2001

Alayda qarab körese

Meşina colnu qıyırın

Endige deri bilmey edim

Da süygenlikni qıyının

Bahçada bitgen bal havun

Barmaġım bla salayım

Termilib a turama oy Alan

Izıŋdan a qarab qalayım

You’re just waiting, watching

The road beside the tracks.

Until now you’ve known nothing

About the tortures of love.

The sweet melon growing in the garden

Is placed before them with my hands.

I’m longing for you, Karachay boy,

If you leave me, I’ll follow you with my eyes.

• • Ex.8.3b. Zikir (Turkish), Turkey, Yazılıkaya, 2005

Yeşildir sancağı, nurdan alemi

Yeşildir sancağı, nurdan alemi

Delilim Kur’andır, Allah kelamı

Delilim Kur’andır, Allah kelamı

Namaz kılmayanlar, yollar haramı

Namaz kılmayanlar, yollar haramı

Gel, ölüm gelmeden tedarik eyle

Gezdiğin yerlerde Hakka şükür eyle

Gezdiğin yerlerde Hakka zikir eyle

Its flag is green, its world is from light.

Its flag is green, its world is from light.

My guide is the Quran, Allah’s word.

My guide is the Quran, Allah’s word.

The way of those who don’t pray to him is sinful,

The way of those who don’t pray to him is sinful.

Come, get ready before your death!

Wherever you walk by, keep praising God,

Wherever you walk by, mention God’s name!

• • Ex.8.4. Dance tune on the accordion, Turkey, Kilisa – Orhaniye, 2001
• • Ex.8.5. Zikir, Turkey, Yakapınar – Ertuğrul, 2005

Toyġa kirib tebsemegiz

Qızla bla ulanla

Tar qabırda azab eter

Aqrabla bla cılanla

Azıġıġız ol bolur

Kur’anı kerim oquġuz

Ullu Allahnı kesinden

Sıyıŋŋısız qorquġuz

Don’t go to parties, don’t dance

With lassies, young lads!

You’ll be turtured in the narrow grave

By serpents and scorpions.

Your food is this:

Read the holy Quran!

It is from the mighty Allah,

Fear him interminably!

• • Ex.8.6. Orayda, Turkey, Yağlıpınar, 2005
• • Ex.9.1. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Bıllım (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Tirmenli qolnu da başına çıqsaŋ

Tawnu arasında wa köl bardı

Anı tübünde wa teren özende

Hurzuk caşaġan a el bardı

If you go up to the spring of the Tirmenli brook,

You’ll find a lake in the mountains.

Below it, in the deep valley

Is the village by the name Hurzuk.

• • Ex.9.2. Folksong, Turkey, Doğlat, 2001

Men duġum cıya turayem

Çelegimi tolturub

Cüregim süyse ketib qallıġem

Anı arbasına olturub

I collected blackberries,

I poured them into my basket.

If I had loved him, I would have gone,

I would have got into his cart.

• • Ex.10.1. Jir (Biynöger), Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Hurzuk (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Oy Gezoh ulu da biyleni wa biyi Biynöger

Carathan Allah a seni caşarıŋı süymegen,

ey tay woy Gezoh ulu Biynöger

Tamada qarnaşıŋ ol it awruwdan awruydu

Da awruy ese wa aŋŋa darmaŋŋa ne carar,

ey tay woy Gezoh ulu Biynöger

Aŋŋa cararıq da ol aq maralnı sütüdü

Anı tutarıq da ana qarnaşıŋı itidi,

ey tay woy Gezoh ulu Biynöger

Men barġan edim da ana qarnaşıma it tiley

Da ala meni wa bir adam kibik körmelle

Tilegenimde wa maŋŋa it küçüknü bermelle

Ey, son of Gezoh, lord of the lords, Biynöger!

God the Creator did not want you to live,

Alas, son of Gezoh, Biynöger!

Your brother is lying sick from the bite of a rabid dog,

What balm could heal him of his torture,

Alas, son of Gezoh, Biynöger!

The milk of the white roe is balm for him,

The Uncle’s dog would be able to catch it,

Alas, son of Gezoh, Biynöger!

I went to his place to borrow it,

I was not treated as a human being,

When I asked him for it, he even refused me the puppy.

• • Ex.10.2. Gapalaw – Jir (lament), Turkey, Yakapınar – Ertuğrul, 2001

Ijaları taş başında caşaydıla

Ijaları adam et aşaydıla

Gapalawla eki elle bir boldula

Gapalawla eki elle bir boldula

Gapalawla eki elle bir boldu

Gapalawnu cathan ceri nür toldu

The Izha family live on the mountain top,

The Izha family live on human flesh.17

The Gapalaws united from two sides,

The Gapalaws united from two sides.

The Gapalaws were two siblings, they became one.

The Gapalaw’s bed became filled with light.

• • Ex.10.3. Artificial song (in Turkish), Turkey, Yaglıpınar, 2001

Yüce dağ başında kirmanım başlı

Ağladım, ağladım gözlerim yaşlı

Hiç bayram etmedim sılada yanım kardaşlı

My spinning-wheel is high on the mountain top,

I’ve weeped and cried, my eyes are tearful.

I’ve never enjoyed myself, at home I have siblings.

• • Ex.10.4. Lyrical song, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Kara Suv, 2000

Ishawat deyle da, ıshawatdı deyle, qoymayla

Canım, ıshawatda wa adam a mölekle oynayla

Közüm a ilindi da adam a mölekni qaşına

Süyüb a tebredim sora men da başından

They call it Ishawat18, Ishawat, incessantly,

My dear, in Ishawat human angels are dancing.

The brows of a human-angel captured my eyes,

I fell in love with him the moment I caught sight of him.

• • Ex.10.5a. Jir (immigrants’ song), Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2001

Biz barabız Istanpulnu coluna

Allah da salsın müsliman patçahnı qoluna

Biz Istanpulda zemzem quyarbız qumġaŋŋa

Biz Istanpulda tüye soyarbız qurmaŋŋa

We’re leaving for Istanbul,

May God place us in the hands of the Muslim ruler.

In Istanbul we’ll taste the water of life,

In Istanbul we’ll kill a camel for animal sacrifice.

• • Ex.10.5b. Lament, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogari Malkar, 2000
• • Ex.10.6. Dance song, Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2001

Aycayaġım seni arbazıŋ tik bolsun

Qantor atla oynab oynab çabmazça

Oy ekibiz qayrı qaçıb buġarek

Sawlay Qaraçay izleb izleb tabmazça

Alay Golalada baliy terekle

Caz başında alay aruw çaġalla

Meni kibik aman tişsiz qartla da

Seni kibik aruwlanı taballa

My dear Moon, may your yard be so steep that

Not even brown horses with bright black tails and manes could romp in it!

Where could the two of us have escaped to hide,

The whole Karachay land would have been searched for us.

In the Gola family’s garden the sour cherry trees

Burst into beautiful bloom in spring.

Toothless old people like me,

Come across beauties like you.

• • Ex.11.1. Zikir, Turkey, Bolvadin, 2005

Sarı gavur mülkübüznü alġandı

Cüreklege qara muhur salġandı

Mümin kafir tanılmayın qalġandı

Aldanmaġız ahır zaman dunyaġa

Nek salmaysız Payġambarġa salavat

Onu için (anı üçün) eter sizge şafaġat

İynanmaġanlaġa bolsun nalat

Aldanmaġız ahır zaman dunyaġa

The blond giaour19 has stolen our possesions,

He has stamped the hearts with a black seal.

Believers and infidels have mingled,

Do not believe this transient world!

Why don’t you pray to the prophet

And ask for his intercession?

Cursed be the infidels!

Do not believe this transient world!

• • Ex.11.2. Folksong, Turkey, Doğlat, 2001

Çuwaq kökden kölek tigib kiyseŋ da

Culduzladan tüyme etib tikseŋ da

Sen ıylıqma ataŋ kiygen kiyimge

Qabdalında anı halı tüymege20

Should you wear a shirt sewn from the bright sky,

Should you sew a button on it made from the stars,

Even so, don’t be ashamed of your father’s costume,

The thread-button on his caftan!

• • Ex.11.3 Jir (funny song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 2000

Meni alaşam boz horadı, oyra oy

Anı kim da nek soradı, oyra oy

Alaşamı caŋŋız tügü, oyra oy

Sırtındaġı kertme cügü, oyra oy

Meni alaşam Qırgız corġa, oyra oy

Sekiredi arşın carġa, oyra oy

Alay ötkür meni alaşam, oyra oy

Oy alaşam, boz alaşam, oyra oy

My horse is grey, oyra oy,

I am asked about it all the time, oyra oy,

Its only load is, oyra oy,

The pears packed on its back oyra oy

My horse is a Kirghiz jennet, oyra oy,

It can jump over an arshin21 wide rift, oyra oy,

My horse is so brave, oyra oy,

Alas, my horse, my gray horse, oyra oy.

• • Ex.11.5 Orayda, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogari Malkar, 2000
• • Ex.12.1. Jir, Turkey, Yakapınar–Ertuğrul, 2005

Kafkaziya’da biz da bara bara

Sürüw da sürüw qoy kördük

Ullu Qaraçay’da tögerekde wa tutub

Tögerekde wa tutub a toy kördük

In the Caucasus, as we were wandering,

We had seen lots of sheep flocks,

In the great Karachay land we had seen

Rejoicing people dancing in circles.

• • Ex.12.2. Jir (cursing song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Bızıngı, 2000

Süygenim cırıηı men aytırıqma

Süymeydile seni teηleriη

Başha zatıŋa men qızınmawçuem

Canımı qıynaydı közleriη

Birsileden başha köreyem seni

Kiyimiŋ bla süyümüŋ

Börü terisinden erşi körünsün

Üsüŋe kiygen kiyimiη

Sweetheart, I’m going to sing your song,

Your friends don’t love you.

I don’t care about anything else,

Your look fills me with anguish.

I had seen your costume and kindness

As something special,

May the garments you’re wearing

Look uglier than wolfskin!

• • Ex.12.3a. Lament, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Bızıngı, 2000

Men Carahmatnı ölmezlik sunuwçem

Bel tögeregi oq edi

Ne bek cılasaŋ da oy aman Halimat

Senden süygençigi coq edi

Huna canına kesim buqdurġanma

Çuruqların bıla qamasın

Carahmatha cılay teli bolġand deyle

Qalay tıyarıqma anı anasın

I thought Jarahmat was immortal,

He had been shot in the waist.22

No matter how hard you cry, Halimat,

He did not love anyone more than he loved you.

I myself had hidden

His boots and dagger behind the wall.

The pain she felt over Jarahmat deranged her, so they say.

How could I comfort his mother?

• • Ex.12.3b. Küy on the pipe, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Karachaevsk, 2000
• • Ex.12.4a. Old lyrical song, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Kara Suv, 2000

Keŋ arbaz adamdan tolġandı baradı carıq toy

Cer cerde qazan asılġand soyuladı köb koy

Nasıb quwanç külkü ulludu baradı carıq toy

Bütew beri cıyılġançalla elde qızla caşla

Alay men kişini körmeyme caŋŋız senden başha

Eki közüm sendedi meni sendedi cüregim

The spacious yard is full, the wedding folks are celebrating.

Couldrons are hanging here and there, a lot of sheep are killed,

Happiness, joy, lots of fun, the wedding folks are celebrating.

It seems everyone has gathered here, boys and girls from the village,

But I don’t see anyone else but you,

No one else has caught my eyes but you.

• • Ex.12.4b. Jir, Turkey, Yağlıpınar, 2005

Macir biy qaydan kelese

Qarabaşlanı qarab da

Ne qara künle kelgendi

Qarakötlanı Abatha

Eşik allında çeget bar

Çegetni içinde börü bar

Macirni süymey ne eteyim

Eki közünü nürü bar

Where do you come from, Majir bey?

If we take the Karabash descendants,

Abat from the Karaköt family

Has had mournful days.

Woods in front of the house,

And wolves in the woods.

What shall I do if I don’t love Majir,

Light’s flaring in his eyes.

• • Ex.12.5a. Lament, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Ogari Mara, 2000

Şupu, Tuwġan a desele anam,

İyilib cerge kiredi anaġız

Ekewlen bolub a da qalay soydurduġuz

Coqmedi sizni qanıġız

If Shupu and Tuwgan are mentioned, mother,

Your mother almost dies [of shame].

How were they able to slaughter both of you?

Weren’t you brave enough?

• • Ex.12.5b. Jir (love song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 2000

Oy ayt deysiz da qoymaysız meni

Men tanımayma atasın

Toġuz-on cılnı da adej tuthanem

Bir da körmegenem hatasın

Köklede uçhan alay kögürçün

Kanatı aylanıb teŋŋizge

Ay, kün bulutha kirginçi caşla

Kiyov da bollukma men sizge

You’re yammering and don’t leave me alone,

I don’t know her father.

For nine or ten years I also held the reins among them,23

I didn’t find fault with her.

The pigeon in the skies

Is flying towards the sea,

Before the sun hides behind the clouds, boys,

I will be your brother-in-law.

• • Ex.12.6a. Jir (love song), Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Ogari Mara, 2000

Meni aruwum kele da turad

Burma çaşçıġı qaltıray

Söleşib başlasa aruwçuq bolad da

Altın tişçikleri cıltıray

Beliŋe qıshan seni kamarıŋ

Anı kirişleri uwaqdı

Izıŋa aylan da hoy söleşe barsaŋ a

Ölgenleriŋe suwabdı

Egeçlerime men pismo cazsam

Ala senden hapar aytmayla

Aythan sözleriŋi a awzuŋa aşadıŋ

Pismolarıŋ beri qaytmayla

My sweetheart’s coming,

Her wavy hair is swaying.

When she speaks she looks nicer,

Her gold teeth are shining.

You tied your belt around her waist,

There are small silver mounts on it.

Turn back, talk to me,

It would be a good deed even for your dead!

Even if I wrote a letter to my sisters,

They wouldn’t send me news of you.

You haven’t kept your word,

Your letters don’t arrive.

• • Ex.12.6b. Jir on the pipe, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Karachaevsk, 2000
• • Ex.12.7a. Iynar (dance tune), Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2001

Siz cuqlaġız da men aytayım

İynarlarımı üçüsün

Eki süygeŋŋe zaran bolgan da

Caw töşeklede termilsin

Just sleep and let me sing

Three love songs!

May the enemy who hurt the two lovers

Suffer torments in his bed!

• • Ex.12.7b. Love song, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 2000

Tawlanı başından biyik a taw bolmaz

Caŋŋız terekden baw bolmaz

Süygençiginden a quru da qalġannı

Ne cüreginde caw bolmaz

There’s no higher mountain than the highest peak,

A lonely tree will never become a garden.

One who’s been torn away from his lover,

Has no joy left in his heart.

• • Ex.12.8a. Lament, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Ogari Mara, 2000

Qoban özende da sürüwçü caşlanı da Catday

Endi canıŋ kibik körese

Meni da közümden da körüb tutuġuz deb

Işım bawlarıŋı berese

The young shepherds in the valley of the [river] Kuban, Jatday,

Are seen by you now as your own soul.

Hide them from me, you say, and

You give away boot laces as presents.

• • Ex.12.8b. Jir (love song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 2000

Men senden aruw a körmegen edim

Bu men aylaŋŋan cerlede

Seni aruwluġuŋ alay aytılġandı

Da bu taw eteklege ellege

I’ve never seen anything fairer than you,

Wherever I walked by.

Your fabulous beauty’s been woven in tales,

In these mountains and villages.

• • Ex.12.9a. Sarın (lament), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Kashha Tav, 2000

Camal da deyle, Camal da deyle

Malqarda qawġa sözlege

Oy qara qanla, qan cawġand deyle

Camalda çolpan közlege

Quru da qaŋŋadan işleŋŋend deyle

Ullu da Malqarnı köpürü

Qaysı Oruslu bolur edi anam

Can Camalımı ökülü

Jamal is talked about, Jamal is talked about,

In Balkaria with worried and anxious words.

Alas, black blood, black rain has fallen

On Jamal’s starry eyes.

It was made of planks, they say,

The bridge of Great Balkaria.

Which Russian would have been, mother,

The defense attorney of the dear Jamal?

• • Ex.12.9b. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Janikoy, 2000

Oy kün çıqġandan bılay kün bathaŋŋa

Qara tumanla kelelle

Süymeklik üçün ol carlı cürekle da

Köb kıyınlıqla körelle

Meni canımda da turadı, teyri

Bir da süygenim mor çebken

Duniyada menden a nasıbsız kim bolur

Süymeklik üçün zor çekgen

Ay, from the east to the west,

A black fog’s approaching.

Because of love, tender hearts

Suffer a lot of pain.

She’s standing beside me, honestly,

My beloved, in a drab dress.

Is there anyone in the world more miserable than me?

Suffering from love.

Comment: The second meaning of the word teyri ‘god; so help me God’ applies here, as the enamoured youth is pledging and swearing. The garment called čerkeska in Russian is čebken ‘Caucasian male wear’ in Karachay.

• • Ex.13. Jir (new song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Kara Suv, 2000

Carlı üyürde, calçı üyürde

Qazan şaharında tuwġanem

Aşawum bolmay, caşawum bolmay

Andan keter aqıl alġanem

Aylana kelib tawlanı beri

Ullu Qaraçayġa barġanem

Aşawun süyüb caşawun süyüb

Anda qalır aqıl alġanem

I was born in a poor family of daywagers

In the city of Kazan.

I had no food, I had no life,

I had to go away from there.

My wanderings on this side of the mountain

Took me to the great Karachay land.

I got to like its food and drink,

I decided to settle down there.

• • № 1. Rain prayer, Turkey, outskirts of Eskishehir, 2005

Caŋŋur cawadı

Cıkkır awadı

Anam iynek sawadı

It’s raining,

The barrel’s rolling,

Mother’s milking a cow.

• • № 2. Gollu tune on the accordion, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Janikoy, 2000
• • № 3. Lullaby, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogari Malkar (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Böllay böllay bala sen

Asıraġan qala sen

Böllay böllay balaçıq

Böllay böllay balaçıq

Asıraġan qalaçıq

Seni aruw eteyim

Erge berib köreyim

Hush little baby, hush,

The castle I have reared.

Hush my little, hush,

Hush my little, hush,

My castle I have reared.

I will make you beautiful,

Let me live to see your wedding.

• • № 4. Gollu, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 2000

Voy vori vora dara vori vora dara

Ot başında emen çıkkır vori vora dara

Anı içinde zınthı boza vori vora dara

Andan içdim kekirdim vori vora dara

Arı beri sekirdim vori vora dara

Trallala, trallala...

Oak barrel above the fire,

There’s oat brandy in it.

I drank from it, I belched,

I kept jumping to and fro.

• • № 5. Dance tune on an accordion, Turkey, Ankara, 2003
• • № 6. Rain prayer, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogari Malkar, 2000

Kürek biyçeden cawun tileybiz

La ilaha illallah

Biz küyebiz, bişebiz

Allahdan cawun tileybiz

We’re asking Princess Spade for rain,

There’s no God other than Allah,

We get burnt, we get boiled,

We ask Allah for rain.

• • № 7. Rain prayer, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogari Malkar, 2000

Kürek biyçeden cawun tileybiz

La ilaha illallah

Biz küyebiz, bişebiz

Allahdan cawun tileybiz

We’re asking Princess Spade for rain,

There’s no God other than Allah,

We get burnt, we get boiled,

We ask Allah for rain.

• • № 8. Rhyme, Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2001

Çopuna ketgend bazarġa

Aġ ögüzün satarġa

Parasına batarġa

Hay hay haydası

Qayda munu faydası

Qaçan tiyer faydası

Caz tiymese küz tiyer

Kesin Allah bek süyer

Chopuna went to the market,

To sell his white ox,

To get money for it,

Ey, hey, heyda,

What’s his use of it?

When will success reach him?

If not in spring, then in autumn,

Allah loves him.

• • № 9. Lullaby, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Bızıngı, 2000

Böllay-böllay böleyim

Saŋŋa igilikle tileyim

Candan süygen can balam

Üyür bolub köreyim

Hush-hush, I’ll lay you in a cradle,

I wish you good.

My little one, dearer than my soul,

I wish I could live to see when you have a family!

• • № 10. Zikir, Turkey, Eskishehir Karachay Society, 2005

(Allah bersin) pubmillerge payġambarnı şafaġatından

Ya hu yaman hu yamanilissan illa hu

May Allah give the true believers

From the grace of the prophet!

… (unintelligible words)

• • № 11. Dance song on the accordion, Turkey, Ankara, 2005
• • № 12. Dance song on the accordion, Bashhüyük, 2003
• • № 13. Jir, Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2001

Kübür başında qobuzum

Ber kelinçik soġayım

Köme Qaraçaydan ketginçin

Men a qayrı buġayım

My accordion’s on your trunk,

Give it to me, sweetheart, let me play on it!

Where shall I hide from the smallpox

Before I leave the Karachay land?

• • № 14. Jir (funny song), Turkey, Bolvadin, 2005

Kelelle ketelle

Kilisalıla çıganlıladı

Cazılçıla kukalla

Kelelle ketelle

Agasardan qızla

Kelelle ketelle

Caşlarıġızġa qızları

They come and go,

Those from Gokche yayla are Gipsies,

Those from Yazilikaya are arrogant.

They come and go,

The lassies from Akhisar

They come and go,

The lassies to your lads.

Comment: The aim of the song was probably to tease the Karachay inhabitants of the villages of Kilise and Yazilikaya so that they might take wives from Akhisar where the finest lassies can be found.

• • № 15. Dance song, Turkey, Eskishehir Karachay Society, 2005

Bergen zamanıŋ qaça ed da

Qaçıbız ketdi caz boldu

Seni ızıŋdan aylana da

Sabiy sanlarım qart boldu

The date you gave me is over.

Autumn is over, now it is spring.

While following you,

My young body has grown old.

• • № 16. Dance song on the accordion, Turkey, Ankara, 2003
• • № 17. Dance song on the accordion, Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2003
• • № 18. Iynar, Turkey, Yağlıpınar, 2001

Aylan aylan caw qalaq

Cıltırġanlay ah ah

Nişanlım24 toyġa baradı

Men turġanlay ah ah

Get on, get on greasy spoon,

Broken, alas, oh!

My fiance is going to a wedding,

And I was left here, alas, oh!

Comment: The singing girl compares her fickle sweetheart who goes to parties alone to a greasy wooden spoon.

• • № 19. Folksong, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Uchkulan (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Kesek kesek bulut çıqdı Kertmeli25 Koldan

Kesilginçi arġış çıqdı Aqsaray başdan

Aqsaraynı suwuq suwu, sohanı tatlı

Sohanından etgen edim Hanmölek atlı

Hanmölekge qabdal etdim caġası qat qat

Caġasına şemşer urdum Sawaslan batır

Dudalim, Alim, Salim

Zalihat da, Kelimat da işkalla du

From the valley of Kertmeli fragments of clouds arose,

And in the shade of the clouds the caravan left for Aksaray.

In Aksaray the water’s cool and the onion’s sweet,

I’ve cooked from this onion for the one called Hanmölek.

I made a caftan for Hanmölek, with a layered neck,

Onto its collar I had sewn the lad, Savaslan.

Let’s catch Alim, Salim

Zeliha, too, Kelima, too, ey, hey!

• • № 20. Zikir, Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2001

Bismillah deb başlayıq

Salat salam aytayıq

Adet etib künde biz

Cetmiş miŋ töbege qaytayıq

Har bir işni işlegende

Bismillahnı oquġuz

Bismillahsız iş etsegiz

İblis bolur şohuġuz

Let’s start with God’s name!

We ask for blessing on the prophet,

As we usually do, seventy times a day

Let’s repent of our sins!

Before we do anything

Let’s mention God’s name!

If you work without it,

Shatan will be your friend.

• • № 21. Lullaby, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogari Malkar, 2000

Bellaw-bellaw böleyim

Saŋŋa aşhılıq tileyim

Candan süygen can balam

Adam bolub köreyim

Hush-hush, I’ll lay you in a cradle,

I wish you good.

My beloved little child dearer than my soul,

Let me live to see you grow up!

• • № 22. Dance song on the pipe, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Karachevsk, 2003
• • № 23 Zikir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, outskirts of Nalchik, 2000.

Bu duniyaġa qaraġız

Bu tüşmüdü, tünmüdü

Colowçula keçe qalġan

Col boynunda üymüdü

Look at this world,

Is it a dream or reality?

Is the house beside the road

The shelter of those wandering at night?

• • № 24. From the Nart epic, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Janikoy, 2000

Bahsan elde töre boldu maral bala maraġan, Hoyra hoy maraġan

Cantuwġan a tar awuzda ayuw bala qoymaġan, Hoyra hoy qoymaġan

Bahsan tawda az bolġandı Apsatını malları, Hoyra hoy malları

Cantuwġannı saqlay edi Apsatını nalatı, Hoyra hoy nalatı

In the village of Bashan deer fawn hunting became a custom,

In the mountain pass Jantuwgan caught a bear whelp.

In the mountain of Bashan Apsati’s26 herd grew sparse,

Apsati’s curse worked on Jantuwgan there.

• • № 25. Lullaby, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogari Malkar, (Agócs-Lukács collection), 2007

Böllay-böllay balasın

Asıraġan qalasın

Ullu bolub köreyim

Seni erge bereyim

Hush-hush little one,

The castle I have reared27,

Let me live to see you grow up,

Let me marry you off!

• • № 26. Lullaby, Kabar-Balkar Republic, Bızıngı (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Bullay-bullay böleyim

Hayırıŋı köreyim

Çabıb kirgin eşikden

Saw qutulġun beşikden

Hush-hush, I’ll lay you in a cradle,

Let me live to see your good deeds!

Let me see you run in through the gate,

As you slowly outgrow the cradle!

• • № 27. Iynar, Turkey, Yaglıpınar, 2001

Tawdan awub keledi

Çille satuwçu Çuwutlu

Süygenime vermeyor

Beni attam Qumuqlu

Meşinamın altında

Altın tobbaş yüzügüm

Men kömeden ölüb barama anam

The Jew who sells silk

Is coming across the mountain.

My Kumyk father

Won’t marry me off to my sweetheart.

My gold signet ring’s under my car/cart.

I’m dying of smallpox, mother.

Comment: The performer mixed the Karachay text with Turkish words.

• • № 28. Dance song, hummed, Turkey, Kilisa–Orhaniye, 2001
• • № 29. Dance song on the accordion, Turkey, Ankara, 2003
• • № 30. Zikir, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Karachaevsk, 2005

Başha halqla keldile

Eşigimi açdıla

Balta alıb mindile

Minaramı çaçdıla

Different folks arrived,

They opened my gate.

With an ax in their hands,

They destroyed my minaret.28

• • № 31. Zikir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogari Malkar (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

İnanullahnı oqub

Huseyin öre turġan

Etgen qadarullahdan

Kim da bolmaz qutulub

Saying Inanulla’s prayer

Husain stood up.

No one can avoid

His fate written by Allah.

Comment: It refers to the prophet’s grandson Husain being slain by Yezid.

• • № 32. Zikir, Turkey, Eskishehir, 2005

Bu bir keçege toġuz keleçini29

suwuthan Gokka hay hay hay

Nine wooers being turned down

By Gokka one evening, hey, hey, hey!

• • № 33. Zikir (in Arabic), Turkey, Kilisa – Orhaniye, 2001

Allahümme salli ala seyyidina Muhammedin ve ala ali seyyidina Muhammed

Fil evvelîne vel âhirîne ve fil meleil e’lâ ila yevmiddin

• • № 34. Orayda (in Arabic), Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2001
• • № 35. Zikir (in Turkish), Turkey, Eskishehir, 2005

Muhammeddir özüm sözüm

Kan alıyor iki gözüm

Sürsem eşiğine yüzüm

Şefaat ya Resulallah

Şefaat ya Habiballah

Terinden bitti bu güller

Zarından öttü bülbüller

Sana müştaktır bu kullar

Şefaat ya Resulallah

Şefaat ya Habiballah

All my words are Muhammad,

He wants to see my both eyes,

When my face touches his threshold,

Have mercy on us, oh, Allah,

Have mercy on us, oh, Almighty!

Roses soaked in sweat,

Sadly singing nightingales,

These servants are longing for you,

Have mercy on us, oh, Allah,

Have mercy on us, Almighty!

• • № 36. Zikir, Turkey, the outskirts of Eskishehir, 2005

Bu Han Allah Sultan Allah

Her dertlere derman Allah

Khan Allah, Sultan Allah,

Balm for all troubles, Allah.

• • № 37. Jir (love song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, (Otarov 2001: 115)

Aycayaq ala cawluġuŋ

Aruw caraşadı boynuŋa.

Men a suqlanama, öleme

Mamuqdan cumuşaq qoynuŋa.

Oy, cılqı anası – aq baytal,

Ol a qarışqulaq tay tabar.

Men seni anangı usta tanıyma,

Ol a qalġan qatınladan fayġambar.

Ayjayak, your colourful scarf

Suits your figure well.

I’m longing, I’ll die

In your lap softer than cotton.

The mother of the stud, a white mare

Gives birth to foals with different ears.

I know your mother well,

She’s more saintly than other mothers.

• • № 38. Mevlid, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 2005

Onekinçi baş keçe da

Rabiyulawwal ayında

Tuwdu quwanç köb boldu

Kökde cerde har qayda

Anı nürü carıtdı

Kün çıqġannı bathannı

Sıylı etdi ullu Allah

Anı bizge tabhannı

On Monday night on the twelfth

In the third month,

He was born, bringing joy

To heaven, earth and everywhere.

His light brightened

East and west,

Almighty Allah made him respectable,

The one who had brought him to this world.

• • № 39. Zikir (in Arabic), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Kashha Tav (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Allahumme salli ala
Muhammedin ve ala
ali Muhammedin vessellim

• • № 40. Zikir (in Arabic), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Kaşha Tav (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Allahumme salli ala
Muhammedin ve ala
ali Muhammedin vessellim

• • № 41. Zikir (in Turkish), Turkey, Yazılıkaya, 2005

Allah adı dillerde

Kendisi wa gönüllerde

Şu korkulu yerlerde

Allah Allah kerim Allah

Rahman Allah

Diyelim Allah Allah

Allah’s name on the lips,

He himself in the hearts.

In these fearsome places,

Allah, Allah, holy Allah,

Merciful Allah,

Let’s say Allah, Allah!

• • № 42. Lullaby, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Hurzuk (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

• • № 43. Zikir, Turkey, Eskishehir Karachay Society, 2005

Allah bersin fayġambarnı şafaġatından

Ya hu yaman hu yaman igisan illa hu

May Allah give through the intercession of the prophet

Oh, Allah the Almighty.

• • № 44. Zikir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Kashha Tav (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

La ilaha illallah

There’s no God other than Allah.

• • № 45. Mevlid, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 2005

Qaynatası cük boldu

Eminaġa qararġa

Ayamayın küreşib

Har işine cararġa

Allah süygen payġambar

Tuwġan közüw cetgende

Anı tabhan anasın

Küçenmezlik etgende

The father-in-law guaranteed

He’d take care of Emine.

He takes pains

To do his best.

Allah’s beloved prophet,

When the time of the birth arrived,

Did not torture

The mother who brought him to the world.

• • № 46. Religious song (in Turkish), Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2001

Kimler yaptı bu Ravza’nın yapısın

Melakeler açtı tavaf30 kapısın

Ecrail esvabın (Hacerül-esved’in) güzel kokusun

Açın bu Ravza’yı habibim de var

Cümle dertlilerin tabibi de var

Bilirsin habibim sana sözlerim

Ol kapına geldi kara yüzlerim

Boran gibi yaşlar döken gözlerim

Açın bu Ravza’yı habibim de var

Cümle dertlilerin tabibi de var

Who has created the Paradise like this?31

Angels have opened this circle.

Hagar’s garments have a pleasant fragrance,

Open the Paradise, my sweetheart is in there!

Every sufferer finds his healer!

You know, sweetheart, my words fly to you,

My unfortunate face has arrived at your door,

My eyes shedding tears like a storm.

Open the Paradise, my sweetheart is in there!

Every sufferer finds his healer.

• • № 47. Zikir, Turkey, Eskishehir Karachay Society, 2005

Allah bersin buqmillerge payġambarnı taqdirinden

Ya hu yaman hu yamanilissan illa hu

May Allah give the believers through the order of the prophet,

Oh Allah (unintelligible words imitating Arabic)!

• • № 48. From the Nart epic, Kabard-Balkar Republic, (Otarov 2001: 18)

Nart batırla cortuwulġa çıqġandıla

Atlanı urub alġa aşıqġandıla.

Nart Örüzmekdi başçıları, başları,

Sosuruqdu bek kiçileri-caşları.

Nart uyadan çıġıb uzaq ketgendile

Köb tawladan, köb qolladan ötgendile.

Bara ketip, Nart-sanaġa cetgendile,

Alayda tohtarġa onow étgendile.

The valiant Nart champions set out on a raid,

Stimulating their horses with whips.

Their leader is Örüzmek, he’s riding in the front,

Sosuruk is the youngest among the young.

They went on a long way from their Nart ­country,

Passing through many valleys and mountains.

They kept going and reached Nartsana,32

And decided to settle down there.

• • № 49. From the Nart epic, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogarı Chegem, 2003

Bolat Hımiçni men aytayım hoy woradara

Cawrun kengin a men aytsam hoy woradara

Üç arışın bola ed

Belin kezin men aytsam

Eki arışın cete ed

Hımiçni eki aruw qatını bar edi

Ala camçı etelle

Bir elisi da pud tarhtan

Let me talk about Bolat Himich

Let me tell you about the width of his shoulders,

It was three metres long,

Let me detail his waist measurement,

It was nearly two metres.

The two beautiful wives of Himich

Made a felt saddle blanket,

A span of it weighed sixteen kilos.

• • № 50. Jir, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Karachaevsk, 2005

Bu duniyada can barmıdı

Har muratın tındırġan

Acal kelse eltirge

Açha berib tıydırġan

Ketib barġan coluŋdan

Qaytırmısa ızıŋa

Açhıçıŋı qoya bar

Caşlarıŋa qızıŋa

Is there anyone in this world,

Whose every wish is fulfilled?

When his last hour arrives,

Can he delay it with money?

Will you ever return

From the way you are treading?

Leave your key here, set out

To see your sons and daughters!

• • № 51. From the Nart epic, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Kashha Tav, 2000

Aşırdıla bizni Nartla quçaqlaşıb Eliya

Saqlaydıla bizni Nartla cuwuqlaşıb Eliya

Qara qarġa col nögerdi bizge barırġa Eliya

Kim biledi qaytırbızmı biz a endi Eliya

Taw başında Nartla tamır qazadıla Eliya

Alanı qatınları saqlaydıla Eliya

Ala bügün cortuwulġa ketgendile Eliya

Kim biledi ala sawlay qaytırlamı Eliya

The Narts welcomed us with open arms, Eliya,

As we approach, the Narts are already waiting for us, Eliya.

A black crow is the companion on the way to us, Eliya,

Who knows if we will ever return.

On the mountain top the Narts dig up the tree, Eliya,

Old women are waiting for them, Eliya.

Today they set out on a raid, Eliya,

Who knows if they will return safe, Eliya.

• • № 52. Dance song on the accordion, Turkey, Ankara, 2003
• • № 53, Jir, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Uchkulan (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Arbazda bir dawurla

Çartlab çıqdım eşikge

….. ayaġı ketgendi

Ayaq colda teşikge

Hasanlanı Magamed oy hoy dri oy marca

Taçankasın sılathand oy oy oy

Ayıb bolsun Tawlu qız o hoyra oy marca

Qol cawluġun urlathan oy oy oy

There was noise in the yard,

I rushed out.

The foot of <…> got stuck

In the drain of the squat toilet.

From the Hasan family

Magamed’s car with the machine gun was caught.

Shame on you, Karachay girl,

Your handkerchief had been stolen!

• • № 54. Zikir, Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2001

Bismillah deb başlayıq33

Salat salam aytayıq

Adet etib künde cetmiş

Biz tobaġa qaytayıq

Adetigiz ol bolur

Quran Kerim oquġuz

İbadetde subaylıqsız

Ullu Allahdan qorquġuz

Let’s begin with God’s name,

We ask for blessing on the prophet.

As we usually do, seventy times a day

Let’s repent of our sins!

Reading the Holy Quran

Is our tradition

During the service.

Fear Allah, all of you!

• • № 55. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Archive of the Nalchik Radio

Taŋ alası çolpan culduz

Mariyam, Mariyam, Mariyam

Uzaldım da cetalmadım

Neçik bolur duniyam

Ehay, közür cay

Neçik bolur duniyam

In the blush of dawn the Star of Venus,

My Mary, Mary, Mary!

I stretched my arms, but I couldn’t reach you.

What is my world like?

What is my world like?

• • № 56. Dance song, Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2001

Savet lotçikle taw quşla kibik

Kök miyiginde uçhanda

Duşman lotçikle qaça elle

Alim ızından bolġanda

When the Soviet pilots,

Cut through the height of the sky like eagles,

The enemy pilots escape,

When they are followed by my Ali.

• • № 57. Dance song (in a wedding), Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2001
• • № 58. Dance song on the accordion, Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2003

Tawnu başında maral kiyikni

Küŋŋe aylanıbdı catuwu

Süygeniŋi saŋŋa bersele Alan

Andadı caşawnu tatuwu

Qar cawġandı taw çatlaġa

Erimey cayġa deri catadı

Süygenim kelirge unamaydı Alan

Taŋım aman bla atadı

The doe on the mountain top

Is lying facing the sun.

If you’re allowed to marry your sweetheart, my friend,

She will sweeten your life.

The mountain peak is covered by snow,

It’ll stay there until the summer thaw.

My sweetheart won’t marry me, my friend,

Slowly does the sun rise.

• • № 59. Orayda (Dance song, hummed), Turkey, Yağlıpınar, 2005
• • № 60. Counting-out rhyme, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogarı Malkar (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Çüw çüw çüw ala

Eki çıçhan suw ala

Inna boza bişire

Appa otdan tüşüre

Tshu, tshu, tshu, mottled

Two mice’re drinking water.

My aunt’s cooking boza34,

Grandpa takes it off the fire.

• • № 61. Jir, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Teberdi, 2000

Eşikleni arı bir aç, arı bir kireyim

Közleriŋi aruwluġun kesim bir köreyim

Közlerimi aruwluġun bilmegenmise

Çegetlede qara duġum körmegenmise

I wish you would open your gates one day and I could go in

To discover the beauty of your eyes!

Don’t you know how beautiful my eyes are?

Have you never seen blackberries in the woods?35

• • № 62. Dance song on the accordion, Turkey, Ankara, 2005
• • № 63. Jir (love song on the accordion and flute), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Janikoy, 2000
• • № 64. Dance song on the accordion, Turkey, Bolvadin, 2001
• • № 65. Dance song on the accordion, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Janikoy, 2000
• • № 66. Jir (Tepena), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Kashha Tav (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007
• • № 67. Zikir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Kashha Tav (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

La ilaha illallah

Allah Allah deb kelelle

Cennetleni suwları

Cennet ahlusu bolsunla

Sıylı Allahnı qulları

There’s no God other than Allah,

The waters of Paradise

Keep purling Allah, Allah.

May all who serve Allah

Know Heaven.

• • № 68. Jir, Turkey, Kilisa – Orhaniye, 2001

Eçkibaşlanı aruw Horasan

Aruw bolasa hay, hay, hay

Suwġa barasa üçlü gıluw bla o hayra hayra hayra…

The beautiful Horasan comes from the Echkibash family.

You are beautiful, ey, hey,

She is fetching water on a three-year-old donkey, ey, hey.

Comment: the folksong was interrupted.

• • № 69. Iynar, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Teberdi, 2000

Alġın da qılıġıŋ a bir a igi edi

Alġın qılıġıŋı qoyġansa

Qayadan başıŋı da sen a atar kibik

Qalay bek canıŋdan toyġansa

Some time ago your behaviour was good indeed,

You’ve given up your old attitude!

Like someone getting ready to jump off a cliff,

You’ve got completely fed up with your life!

• • № 70. Jir (in Kumyk), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 2000

At mindim Ayman tüzde

Atım caydım teŋŋizge

Ay bulutha girgende

Gelecekmen men sizge

Yüregimde yüz qayġı

Qaysın alġa aytayım

Saġa siŋŋen yanımnı

Ne bila yubatayım

I mounted my horse in the field of Ayman,

And led him to the sea.

I’m coming to see you

When the moon’s hiding behind a cloud.

A hundred worries in my heart,

Which one shall I tell you first?

How shall I deceive my heart

That clings to you?

• • № 71. Mevlid (Sura about Muhammad’s birth), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogari Malkar (Agócs-Lukács collection), 2007

Qarnıŋdaġı caş bolsa

Biz Muhammad atarbız

Allah aytsa andan sora

Rahatlanıb caşarbız

If the baby you carry in your belly is a boy,

Let’s call him Muhammad.

If this is Allah’s wish,

We’ll live in peace and quiet.

• • № 72. Zikir (in Turkish), Turkey, Yakapınar – Ertuğrul, 2005

La ilahu Huda’ya

Sefa ile Merva’ya

Muhammed Mustafa’ya

Bizden selam götürün

La ilaha illallah

La ilaha illallah

La ilaha illallah

Muhammeden resulullah

Praise be to God,

To Sefa and Merva,

Muhammad and Mustafa,

Take our greetings!

There’s no God other than Allah,

There’s no God other than Allah,

There’s no God other than Allah,

Muhammad’s the prophet of Allah.

• • № 73. Mevlid, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 2005

Sıylı bolġan mölekler

Can canımdan çabdılar

Başhaladan caşırıb

Qanatların cabdılar

Maryam bla Amina

Mıçımayın cetdiler

Eki huri keldiler

Anaçılıq etdiler

Holy angels

Ran to all my sides.

Hidden from others,/They hid him from others,

Covered by their wings

Maryam and Amina

Arrived without delay.

Two angels came

To help with the birth.

• • № 74. Mevlid, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogari Malkar (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Cuwuq bolġan zamanda

Ol duniyadan keterge

Allah iydi keleçi

Aŋŋa hapar eterge

When the time had come

For him to leave this world,

Allah sent a messenger

To tell him the news.

• • № 75. Mevlid, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 2005

Maryam bla Emina

Mıçımayın cetdile

Eki huriy keldile

Anaçılıq etdile

Anasından tuwdu ol

Awrutmayın arıtıb

Bu duniyaġa çıqdı ol

Tolġan aylay carıtıb

Maryam and Amina

Arrived without delay.

Two angels came,

They helped with the birth.

His mother had given birth to him,

She did not get tired or sick,

He had come to this world,

Radiating the light of the full moon.

• • № 76. Composed song, Turkey, Yazılıkaya, 2005

Qış suwuklada cıluw beresiz

Biz uşatabız cazġa

Caz issilede teŋleşdirebiz

Sizni salqın ayazġa

Colubuzġa tiyedi carıq kün

Bizge quwanç beresiz aruw qızla

Bizden bek süye bilgenigiz üçün

Sizni artıq süyebiz tişiruwla

In the cold of winter you give us warmth,

We compare you to spring.

In the warmth of summer we take you

For a cool breeze.

The sun brightens our way,

You make us happy, beautiful lassies.

You can love better than we can,

That’s why we love you, women, even more.

Comment: This song is not a folk song, it was written by a well-known Caucasian author. The performer in Turkey only partly remembered it.

• • № 77. Artificial song, Turkey, Bolvadin, 2001

Qış suwuqlada cıluw izlesek

Biz uşatabız cazġa

Cay issilede teŋleşdirebiz

Sizni salqın ayazġa

Colubuzġa tiyedi carıq kün

Bizge qanat beresiz aruw qızla

Bizden bek süye bilgenigiz üçün

Sizni artıq süyebiz aruw qızla

In the cold of winter if we look for warmth,

You are like summer.

In the heat of summer

You are like a cool breeze.

The sun brightens our way,

You give us wings, beautiful lassies.

You can love better than we can,

That’s why we love you, beautiful girls, even more.

• • № 78. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, collected by Tamara Bittirova

Aşha da coq qaruwum

İşge da coq qaruwum

Tileyme da tileyme

Dos bolayıq aruwum

I have no strength to eat,

I have no strength to work.

If only, if only

We could make friends, my beautiful!

• • № 79. Zikir, Turkey, Kilisa – Orhaniye, 2001

Bismillah deb başlayıq

Salat salam aytayıq

Adet etib künde cetmiş

Miŋ tobaġa qaytayıq

Har bir işni allında

Bismillahnı oquġuz

Bismillahsız iş etsegiz

İblis bolur şohuġuz

Let’s begin with God’s name!

We ask for blessing on the prophet,

As we usually do, seventy times a day

Let’s repent of our sins.

Before we do anything,

Let’s mention God’s name!

If you work without it,

Shatan will be your friend.

• • № 80. Zikir in Arabic, Turkey, Kilisa – Orhaniye, 2001
• • № 81. Zikir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Kashha Tav (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

La ilaha illallah

Allah Allah deb kelelle

Cennetleni suwları

Cennet ahlusu bolsunla

Sıylı Allahnı qulları

There’s no God other than Allah!

The waters of Paradise

Keep purling Allah, Allah!

May all who serve Allah

Know heaven.

• • № 82. Lullaby, Kabard-Balkar Republic, outskirts of Nalchik, 2000

Böllaw böllaw böleyim

Caşçıġımı tarara

Tararara

Saw qutulsun qaŋŋa tüblü beşikden

Çabıb kelsin tara rara eşikden

Hush, hush, I’m laying down

My little son, tarara,

Tararara!

May he get free from the wooden-bottom crib,

May he run in through the door!

• • № 83. Jir (funny song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 2000

Oy nença kere caŋŋıldıŋ

Caŋŋız kere da oŋmadıŋ

Harbuz qabuqlay atıldıŋ

Kişige kerek bolmadıŋ

Ay, you got disappointed so many times,

You’ve never known happiness.

You were thrown away like melon skin,

No one really needed you.

• • № 84. Dance song on accordion, Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2003
• • № 85. Jir, Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2003
• • № 86. Jir, Turkey, Yakapınar – Ertuğrul, 2005

Dert çekmekten usandıŋ mı

Sen anaŋdan ayrıldıŋ mı

Külhanla kibik candıŋ mı

Allah kişini boş qoymaydı

Sen Allahha tayandıŋ mı

Allah Allah Allah Allah

Rahman Allah Rahim Allah

Sen Rahmansa Sen Rahimse

İgi künle körgüz Allah

Have you had enough of suffering?

Have you left your mother?

Have you burned in flames like a boiler?

No one is left alone by Allah.

Have you ever asked Allah for support?

Allah, Allah, Allah, Allah!

Allah the merciful, Allah the compassionate,

You are merciful, you are compassionate,

Show us better days, Allah!

Comment: Half of the song was sung in Karachay, the other half in Turkish. It is an interesting example of someone trying to perform a Turkish religious song in Karachay.

• • № 87. Dance song on the accordion, Turkey, Bolvadin, 2001
• • № 88. Dance song on the accordion, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Janikoy, 2000
• • № 89. Iynar, Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2001

Suw ızında bal terek

Quşla qonad balına

Bal boġanlıqġa wa

Adamlar aşayalmayla balından

Suw ızında terekle

Cıpçıqla emedi çayırın

Kimleni süygen balaların

Kimle köred hayırın

A sour cherry tree on the riverside,

Birds’re flying onto the cherries.

Although they are sour cherries,

Humans may not eat them.

The sap of the trees over the river

Is drunk by sparrows.

Some feel happy about their beloved children,

Some feel happy about their beneficial deeds.

• • № 90. Iynar, Kabard-Balkar Republic, collected by Tamara Bittirova

Aşha da coq karuwum

İşge da coq karuwum

Tileyme da tileyme

Dos bolayıq aruwum

I have no strength to eat,

I have no strength to work either.

I wish, I wish

We could make friends, my dear!

Sözün aytmaġa kerek

Calġan söz can cubatmaz

Seni bla dos bolsam

Qardaşlarım a uşatmaz

I must admit this,

False words do not make you happy.

If I make friends with you,

My brothers are not happy.

• • № 91. Zikir, Turkey, Kilisa – Orhaniye, 2001

Bismillah deb başlayıq

Salat salam aytayıq

Adet etib künde cetmiş

miŋ tobaġa qaytayıq

Har bir işni allında

Bismillahnı oquġuz

Bismillahsız iş etsegiz

İblis bolur şohuġuz

Let’s begin with God’s name!

We ask for blessing on the prophet,

As we usually do, seventy times a day

Let’s repent of our sins!

Before we do anything

Let’s mention God’s name!

If you work without this,

Shatan will be your friend.

• • № 92. Jir (while making butter in the summer pasture), Turkey, Doğlat, 2005

Qarahisarġa barlıqma

Eski tonumu dawuna

İynanmasaġız qaraġız

Nadimni cürek cawuna

Onovlan bolub barayek

Biz dorbunlaġa suwlaga

Allah razı bolmasın

Acakalanı Gulaġa

I’m going to Karahisar

In the matter of my old fur coat.

If you don’t believe it,

Notice how excited Nadim is.

We were ten together

Roaming the caves, waters,

Allah should not bless

Gula from the Ajaka family!

• • № 93. Mevlid (Prophet Muhammad’s nativity), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 2005

Ol tuwġanın çıqġanın

Cumla alam bilgende

Har bir qayġı tas boldu

Ullu quwanç üley kelgende

Beri alanı har barı

Tawuş etib marhaba

Marhaba way a marhaba

Way ahırat …

The signs of his birth

Reached the whole world.

All troubles disappeared,

Great happiness arrived.

They all said greetings,

They wished good morning,

Good morning, good morning,

Oh, hereafter…

• • № 94. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 2000
• • № 95. Lullaby, Turkey, Yağlıpınar, 2005

Bellaw bellaw bellaw bellaw bölekle

Aq betiŋe balam kirpikleriŋ kölekge

İncitmesin seni balam can aluwçu mölekle

Bellaw bellaw bellaw bellaw böleyim

Laluv laluv laluv laluv laluva

Balam seni aşaġanıŋ haluva

Haluva tüyüldü balam börekdi

Ullu Allahdan bu balaġa hayırlı ömür kerekdi

Laluv laluv laluv laluv lalaçıq

Cennet tabsın seni tabhan anaçıq

Hush, hush, hush, hush,

May your eyelashes shade your white cheeks,

So you can’t be hurt by soul-taking angels!

Hush, hush, hush, I’ll lay you in a cradle.

Lala, lala, lala, lala,

My little one, the halva you eat

Is not halva but cakes.

May God Almighty give her a blessed life!

Lala, lala, lala, lala,

May your mother get to Paradise!

• • № 96. Dance song on accordion, Turkey, Ankara, 2003
• • № 97. Zikir, Turkey, Yakapınar – Ertuğrul, 2005

Allah Allah Allah Allah

Rahman Allah Rahim Allah

Sen Rahmansa sen Rahimse

Dertlerime darman Allah

Tawnu taşnı kül eter

Sultanlanı qul eter

Haram qazançnı pul eter

La ilaha illallah

Cerde kökde bir Allah

Cerde kökde nür Allah

Kalplede muratlanı

Seherlede ber Allah

Allah, Allah, Allah, Allah!

Merciful Allah, compassionate Allah!

You are merciful, you are compassionate,

Balm for my troubles, Allah.

Pulverizing mountains and rocks,

Taking sultans captive,

Annulling sinful profit,

There’s no God other than Allah.

In heaven and earth there is one Allah,

Light in heaven and earth, Allah,

May you fulfil wishes of the heart

By dawn, Allah!

Comment: This zikir might have been translated from Turkish into Karachay.

• • № 98. Zikir, Turkey, Yakapınar – Ertuğrul, 2005

Allah Allah Allah Allah

Rahman Allah Rahim Allah

Sen Rahmansa sen Rahimse

İgi künle körgüz Allah

Allah, Allah, Allah, Allah!

Merciful Allah, compassionate Allah!

You are merciful, you are compassionate,

May you bring better days upon us, Allah!

• • № 99. Jir, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Karachaevsk, 1998

Woy woy Cora bir kün erikgenden taw başlaġa qaray çıqġand ey

Ey Sukan başı caylıqlada çola malla körgendi

Ey andan qaytıb nögerine hapar bergendi

Bugün erikgenden taw başlaġa qaray çıqġanem deydi

Ey Sukan başı caylıqlada çola malla körgeme

Biz a barıb ol mallanı sürüb keltirsek dedi

Ey alıb barıb Uçqulanda bazarlada satarbız

Ahçaların araqıġa tartarbız dedi az az

Oy, ey, once Jora with his grief went up the top of the mountain,

On the mountain of Sukan in the summer pasture he found a herd unattended,

He returned and told his friend:

Today my grief took me up to the mountain-top.

In the summer pasture of the Sukan mountain I saw a herd unattended,

Let’s go up, let’s bring them down together!

We’ll catch them, take and sell them at the fair of Uchkulan,

And drink away the money we get for them - he said.

• • № 100. Lament, Turkey, Kilisa – Orhaniye, 2001

Ay qabırġam qabırġam da, canımı alġan a qabırġam

Cigit a börünü da menley eşigi wa cabılġan36

Oy ta oriraw cabılġan

Azrail kelgendi Tutaraşlada wa qışlaydı

Nede kelinleden da bir a cetgen qızladan ­başlaydı

Oy ta oriraw, başlaydı

Qutas çaçımı da cuwub a cıydılar a eşmeyin

Ay anam, ölüb barama bir a qız tüymemi teşmeyin

Oy ta oriraw, teşmeyin

Alas, my rib! My rib taking away my soul,

You have created a decent person, my kind, one who was locked in,

Ay, ta rira, he was locked in.

Ezrail37 came to spend the winter with the Tutaras family.

Before the brides he began with the lassies,

Ey, hey, he began.

My gold hair was washed, not plaited, just tied together,

Alas, mother, I will die before my maiden buttons are undone,

Ay, hey, before they are undone.

• • № 101. Jir (Ullu Hozh), Kabard-Balkar Republic, (Otarov 2001: 54)

Oy, Ullu Hojdan a ma çıqġan élle ceti aruw, orayda,

Da qamaladan a bir qan tamızġan a eki aruw, orayda.

Oy, uruş éte da bir alda barġan Urquyat, orayda,

Urġan cerinden a qıb-qızıl aruw a qan quyad, orayda.

Oy kökde oynaydı da aruw Urquyatnı bilegi, orayda,

Da qabıl bolsun a bu carlı halqnı wa tilegi, orayda.

Seven beautiful girls set out from the village of Ullu Hozh, orayda.

Two beautiful girls making blood gush forth with daggers, orayda

Urkuyat was the first in the battle front, orayda,

Wherever she hit, she brought blood gushing forth, orayda.

Now the arms of fair Urkuyat are waving in the sky, orayda.

May the wish of this poor people be fulfilled, orayda!

• • № 102. Jir (Ullu Hozh), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 2000

Oy Ullu Hojda da bir seyir bardı taŋ bardı orayda

Ertdenden başlab a iŋŋirge deriçi qan bardı orayda

Oy Ullu Hojda da bir seyir bardı alamat orayda

Qatınla bla wa qızla etelle da qazawat orayda

Alas, there’s a noisy event in Ullu Hozh,

Bloody fighting is going on from morning till night.

A miracle’s happening in famous Hozh,

Maidens are at war with women.

• • № 103. Jir, Turkey, Ankara, 2005

Ey, min aruw Aqtamaq faytoŋŋa

Hamıt salayım toratha

Ey, cayġı çillede bezgek38 bolursa

Alıb keteyim naratha

Ey, suwġa kirsele çabaqla kibik

Oy atlarıbız cüzerle

Ey, Qaraçay adam qalay küçlüd deb

Bizge mahtawla tizerle

Hey, beautiful Aktamak, get into the coach!

Let me harness the apple-grey horse!

Hey, if you get sick in the heat of summer,

I’ll take you to the pine-forest.

Hey, they dive into the river like fish,

Hey, our horses are swimming!

Hey, the Karachay people are very strong,

Our praise is sung aloud.

• • № 104. Jir (love song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, (Otarov 2001: 135)

Qara aġaçda qar bardı,

Terk cürüseŋ, ceterse,

Émen terek men bolup,

Cerge kirsem, neterse?

Émen terek sen bolup,

Cerge kirgen sen bolsaŋ

Cütü balta men bolup,

Kesip alsam, neterse?

The black tree is covered by snow,39

If you hurry, you’ll get there.

If I turned into an oak tree

With my roots in the ground, what would you do?

If you turned into an oak tree

With your roots in the ground,

And I became a sharp ax

And cut you down, what would you do?

• • № 105. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 2000

Biz çıqġan edik tar Bahsandan cer qaray

Cürügen edik calġan duniyada kün sanay

Qaçıb a keldik oy tar Bahsandan üzülüb

Da kirgen edik şam Teberdige tizilib

We set out from the valley of Bashan to look for a place,

We wandered in this false world, counting the days.

We fled and left behind the valley of Bashan,

And wandered till we got to holy Teberdi.

Comment: tar ‘tight, strait; a narrow and steep valley between mountains’, it can also be the name of such a place. The village of Bashan is in such a narrow valley. Via metathesis, the name of the village has now two forms: Bahsan and Bashan. The Karachays and the villagers call it Bashan. The Balkars in Chegem and elsewhere call it Bahsan.

• • № 106. Iynar (funny Noghay song), Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Khalk (Ayagı) (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

• • № 107. Iynar (funny song), Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Uchkulan (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Tıraktor barad ız bla

Küres tartılġan sız bla

Bu qıyınlıkdan40 men bir qutulsam

Küreşmez edim qız bla

The tractor’s proceeding in the track,

Gathering haystacks from below.

If I ever get rid of this anguish,

I won’t look at girls any more.

• • № 108. Dance song, hummed, Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2001

Kökde uçhan eki qaz41

Biri ala biri boz

Ala seni boz meni

Qatın seni qız meni

Kökge baçhış salganma

Bulutlanı çaçarġa

Allah nasıb etgeyed

Seni alıb qaçarġa

Two geese flying high,

One’s pied, the other’s grey.

Yours is the pied one, mine is the grey one.

Yours is the woman, mine is the maiden.

I leaned a ladder against the sky,

To dissolve the clouds.

I wish Allah had allowed me

To elope with you.

• • № 109. Jir (outlaw’s song), Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Uchkulan (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Meni Nanım ketib baradı

Awuşladan awub, tawladan

Başımı da alıb ketgenem

Elibizde qanlı cawladan

My Nani is leaving,

Over high mountains and passes.

I got myself and fled

From the enemy ravaging our village.

• • № 110. Iynar, Turkey, Yağlıpınar, 2005

İynarlarımı aytıb tebresem

Borbaylarıŋı qıyarma

Süymekligimi aytıb cırlasam

Barlıq caşıŋdan tıyarma

If I started singing for you,

It would make you ill.

If I sang a song of my love,

You’d leave your bridegroom.

• • № 111. Zikir (in Turkish), Turkey, Eskishehir, 2005

… yanım dedim özümden uyandım

Ben seni seveli candan usandım

Aşkına düşeli Mecnun’a döndüm

Efendim, sultanım sığındım sana

Aman resulullah yardım et bize

...I said, I woke up by myself.

Since I’ve been loving you I’ve become surfeited.

Since I fell in love I’ve become Majnun42.

You are my lord, my sultan, my shelter,

Oh, gracious, help us!

• • № 112. Zikir, Turkey, Yakapınar – Ertuğrul, 2005

La ilahe illallah,

La ilahe illallah

La ilahe illallah,

Muhammedin resulullah

Şefaat (senden) ya resulallah

There’s no God other than Allah,

There’s no God other than Allah,

There’s no God other than Allah,

Muhammad, Allah’s prophet

Intercede, oh, Allah’s prophet!

• • № 113. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogarı Malkar (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Atadan öksüz qalġan malhun sabiyçik

Anı tabhan anası medirsaġa salġandı

Medirsaġa salġan bla awruw tiyib qaythandı

Awruwunu har halların anasına aythandı

Anı anası aytdı aŋŋa men darmanla surayın

Men canıŋa qorqama qalay tözüb turayın

The inoccent little fatherless orphan

Was sent to school by his own mother,

The child became sick there,

He told every detail to his mother.

His mother said: if only I could find balm for your illness!

I worry about your soul, how shall I endure this?

• • № 114. Dance song on the accordion, Turkey, Ankara, 2005
• • № 115. Iynar, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Teberdi, 2000

Oy kökde barġan köksülle

Aylanıb bizni körsünle

İy, eki patçah qol salıb

Meni nanıma da bersinle

Birds flying in the sky

Should turn back and notice us!

Two rulers should undersign it,

That I should be married to my darling!

• • № 116. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogari Malkar (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Amiy-Amiy em sarı

Amiyni közü sab sarı

Aruw qızla kelelle

Gülleni wa izleyle

Amiy, Amiy is the blondest,

Amiy’s eyes are lemon yellow.

Fair lassies are coming,

They want roses.

• • № 117. Jir (Biynöger), Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Ogari Mara, 2000

Ma bu Gezoh ulu da cigit tuwġan Biynöger

Da seni canıŋı bu carathan Allah süymegen

Tamada qarnaşıŋ Umar it awruwdan awruydu

Awruy ese da aŋŋa darmaŋŋa ne carar

Aŋŋa cararıq bu aq maralnı sütüdü

Anı da tutarıq ana qarnaşıŋı itidi

Look, Biynöger, the son of Gezoh was born to be a champion!

Your brother Umar, who doesn’t like Allah, the creator of your soul

Is lying in bed with scabbies.

What medicine can cure his illness?

Can the milk of a white roe help?

His uncle’s dog can catch the roe.

• • № 118. Iynar, Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2001

Bahçada bitgen bal havun

Barmaġım bla salayım

Termilib a turama oy Alan

Izıŋdan a qarab qalayım

My hands place in front of them

The sweet melon that grows in the garden.

I long for you, sweetheart,

I follow you with my eyes.

• • № 119. Jir, Turkey, Bolvadin, 2001

Sen körüb turġaneŋ tawnu wa suwuġun

Suwlanı sırquwların

Bir aruw soġasa ol qobuzuŋda

Curtumu tartuwların

Soqçu soqçu culduzum

Qaraçaynı tartuwların

Soqçu soqçu soqçu soq

Qaraçaynı tartuwların

You have seen the cold of mountains

The whim of the rivers.

On your accordion you wonderfully play

The songs of my people.

Play, play, my dear,

The songs of Karachay land.

Come on, play them now, play

The songs of Karachay land.

Comment: The original text of the song is as follows:

Sen körüb turġansa tawnu aq buzun

Suwlanı sarquwların

Bir aruw soġadı Laba qobuzuŋ

Curtumu tartuwların

Soqçu soqçu culduzum

Curtumu tartuwların

Oy, süygen elimi tatlı qızısa

Cürekni cubançısa

Cerimi casaġan subay nızısa

Halqımı quwançısa

Soqçu soqçu culduzum

Curtumu tartuwların

You marvelled at the white ice of the mountain,

The current of the rivers.

On your Laba accordion they sound beautifully,

The songs of my people.

Play, play, my dear,

The songs of my people!

You’re a sweet girl of my beloved country,

The comforter of hearts,

A beautiful tree of my homeland,

The joy of my people,

Play, play, my precious,

The songs of my people!

• • № 120. Zikir, Turkey, Yazılıkaya, 2005

Halisan, muhlisan la ilaha illallah

Halisan, muhlisan la ilaha illallah

Sadihan, musaddikan, Muhammeden resulullah

Halisan, musaddikan, Muhammeden resulullah

Truly, there’s no other God than Allah, indeed,

Truly, there’s no other God than Allah, indeed.

Honestly, truly, Muhammad’s the prophet of Allah,

Truly, really, Muhammad’s the prophet of Allah.

• • № 121. Counting-out rhyme, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogarı Malkar (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Çüw çüw çüw ala43

Eki çıçhan suw ala

Anna boza bişire

Akka44 otdan tüşüre

Slurping noisily

Two rats are drinking water.

The woman’s cooking boza45,

Grandpa’s taking it off the cooker now.

• • № 122. Dance song on the accordion, Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2003
• • № 123. Dance song on the accordion, Turkey, Ankara, 2003
• • № 124. Dance song on the accordion, Turkey, Yakapınar – Ertuğrul, 2005
• • № 125. Dance song on the accordion, Turkey, Ankara, 2003
• • № 126. Jir (blessing for those who leave), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Hasaniya (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Ertde ertde zamanda

Altawlan töşge keldile

Elge kirmey tohtalla

Alayda keçinirge dedile

Keçinirge dedile da olturuşub qaldıla

Batırlıqġa seyirsinib Awalġa Astalġa cetdile

Arı beri qarmalla, bıçaqların tabmalla

Mizlerin da tüşürüb colda olturub qaldıla

Long, long ago

Six people went up to the summit.

They stopped before the village,

Let’s have a short rest, they said.

They went to have a rest, but stayed there,

They were filled with heroism, they got as far as Aval and Astal46,

They confused everything, they couldn’t find their knives,

They even dropped their leather puncheon47, they stayed there halfway.

• • № 127. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, collected by Tamara Bittirova

Sırtındaġı iç kübesi aq kümüşden eşilgen

Aq kümüşden eşilgen

Qaratorum bek arıdı, çıġır quşlay sekirgen

Qaratorum col salġandı Nart uyanı başına

Nart uyanı başına

Qatı bişgen nartüh qurmaç bereme tüş aşına

The armour on your back was woven from silver,

It was made of white silver.

My Qarator48 spiringing like a vulture got tired,

My Qarator set out for the country of the Narts,

For the country of the Narts.

I gave him well-fried corn for lunch.

• • № 128. Jir, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Karachaevsk, 2005

Qaraçay-Malqar Tawlula

Bir qolda bitgen barmaqla

Qabartı, Çerkes, Abaza, Noġay

Qızdan da tuwġan qarnaşla

People of the Karachay-Balkar mountains,

Are almost like the fingers of a hand.

The Kabard, Cherkess, Abkhaz and Noghay

Are like children of our sister.

• • № 129. Jir, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Commercial Karachay CD, 2005

Maşoq başlanı tikgen iyneça

Bardıla sende barmaqla

Açlıq cetgen kün çabaq tutarsa

Alanı etib qarmaqla

Seni başçıġıŋ alay sıydamdı

Çibin da tayıb töŋŋerer

Tübü wa qalayd qaydan bileyim

Sıyına ese da saw cer

With your sack-needle-like

Long pointed fingers

You catch fish in famine,

As if they were hooks.

On your hairless bald head

Even a mosquito slips.

What is under it, I don’t know,

Even the world could have room in it.

Comment: The informant mocks the bald fat man he was singing about.

• • № 130. Jir (Jörme), Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Karachaevsk, 1998

Hoyra hoy hoy hoy

Caşla barıb taw başına örledile

İzledile cörmelerin49 körmedile

Bizni cörme cörmeleden bazıq edi

Bizni cörme saw askerge azıq edi

Hoyra, hoy, hoy, hoy,

The valiant soldiers climbed up the mountain top,

They looked for their sausages but couldn’t find them.

Our sausages are thicker than those of others,

Our sausage is good food for every soldier.

• • № 131. Dance song on the accordion, Turkey, Ankara, 2003
• • № 132. Dance song, Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2003

Qaraŋŋı keçe qara cılan bla qalay catarıqsa

Meni wa qoyub başıŋı suwġa qalay atarıqsa

Orayda rayda orayda hoy orayda rayda hoy

How do you go to bed with a black snake in the dark night?

Having left me, how do you throw yourself into the river?

Orayda rayda, orayda hoy, orayda rayda, hoy.

• • № 133. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, (Otarov 2001: 128)

Calan başımı salıp cathanma

Rosseyni suwuq taşına

İgi umut ete igi umut ete

Aman kün keldi başıma

I lay down bareheaded

On the cold stones of Russia.

While I was dreaming about my two hopes,

A bad day settled upon my head.

• • № 134. Dance song on the accordion, Turkey, Ankara, 2003
• • № 135. Dance song on the accordion, Turkey, Yazılıkaya, 2005
• • № 136. Dance song on the accordion, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Karachay, 2005

• • № 137. Jir (love song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 2000

Küz tavlada talala, o hoyri o marca,

Çalqı alıb çalalla, oy, oy, oy

Eki süygen bir bolsa, o hoyri o marca,

Ala cuqlab qalalla, oy, oy, oy.

Atla cekdim arbaġa, o hoyri o marca,

Armavirge barırġa, oy, oy, oy

Qadar maŋŋa buyursun, o hoyri o marca,

Sen aruwnu alırġa, oy, oy, oy.

Every autumn in the mountains, oyri, o,

The fields are mowed with a scythe, oy, oy.

If two lovers are together, oyri, o,

They sleep together, oy, oy, oy.

I put horses before my cart, oyri, o,

So we can go to Armavir, oy, oy, oy.

May God allow me, oyri, o,

To marry you, my beautiful, oy, oy, oy!

• • № 138. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 2000

Min Aqtamaġım a faytoŋŋa

Hamut salayım tarpaŋŋa

Ey, awuz mardasın berligem, Teyri

Saŋŋa keleçilik aythaŋŋa

Get into the coach, my Aktamag50,

I harness the wild horse for you.

I honestly reward the one

Whom you’re sending to propose to me.

• • № 139. Dance song with orchestra, Turkey, Ankara, 2003
• • № 140. Jir (love song), Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Hurzuk (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007
• • № 141. Jir (love song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogari Malkar (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Men seni körgenli beri tınçlıġım ketdi

Sıpatıŋ ketmeyin keçe cuqusuz etdi

Sen maŋŋa cuwab bermeyin aytçı nença ay ötdü

Sense meni quwandırlıq

Caşawumu qurarıq

Keçe kün da birgemese cürekge kirib

Ornalġansa nek körmeyse, barama erib

Cılı söz a sen bilmeyse, meni halımı körüb

Sense meni quwandırlıq

Caşawumu qurarıq

I have had no peace since I caught sight of you,

Your face has stolen my sleep.

How many months have passed since you have not answered me?

You are the one who can make me happy,

You may become my companion.

You are with me day and night I carry you in my heart.

You have settled in me can not you see? It slowly kills me.

You have no good words to say, you see what has happened to me,

You are the one who can make me happy,

You may become my companion.

• • № 142. Jir (while drinking boza), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Hasaniya (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Boza kelsin deb aytıġız

Tuqum-çökge quwanıġız

Olturuġuz ayaqlanı bozadan

Tolturuġuz ayaklanı bozadan

Egeçlerigiz aruw qızla

Qarnaşlarıġız a cigit caşla

Boza ayaqnı költürelle qollarına

Boza boza dedigiz da

Tuqum-çökge51 keldigiz da

Aruwla, alamat adamla

Qız aruwun kördügüz da

Seyirlikge qaldıgız da

Qonaklarım, canlarım

Olturuġuz meni bla boluġuz

Say, it is time for boza,

Have fun in the celebration!

Sit down with your cups,

And fill them with boza!

Your sisters are beautiful girls,

Your brothers are fine young men.

They hold the cups with boza with their hands,

Say boza, boza!

You have come to the celebration of kinship,

The beautiful ones, the marvellous people.

You have seen the most beautiful girl,

Interesting things have happened,

My dear, my guests,

Sit down and stay with me!

• • № 143. Dance song on the accordion, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogari Malkar, 2000
• • № 144. Unintelligible text, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Karachaevsk, 2005
• • № 145. Zikir, Turkey, Bolvadin, 2005

Ya Allah hu, ya Allah

Ya Allah hu, ya Allah

Ya Allah hu, ya Allah

Ya Allah hu, ya Allah

Ölüm degen alaydı

Marlab kelib tutadı

Cılab turġan etiŋi

Aqırabla cutadı

Oh, he’s Allah, oh, Allah!

Oh, he’s Allah, oh, Allah!

Oh, he’s Allah, oh, Allah!

Oh, he’s Allah, oh, Allah!

Such is this death,

It watches you in secret, it comes and catches you.

His crying body

Is devoured by scorpions.

• • № 146. Wedding song, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Kashha Tav, 2000

Kelinni alıb kelebiz col berigiz

Ey, bek aruwun saylaġanbız ma körügüz

Qolan küyüzle cayıġız colubuzġa

Ey, alġış ayaq tutduruġuz qolubuzġa

Kelin keled, üyge kired, col qoyuġuz

Ey, toy etigiz, qonaqlaġa qoy soyuġuz

Quwanç keled eşikleni keŋ açıġız

Ey, üynü tübüne aruw gülleni çaçıġız

We’re bringing the bride, give way!

Ey, we’ve chosen the nicest one, look!

Lay colourful patterned carpets in front of us!

Ey, give the cup of blessing into our hands!

A bride’s arriving, she enters the house now, give way!

Ey, make a wedding feast, slaughter sheep for the guests!

Happiness is arriving, open the gates wide!

Ey, sprinkle the floor of the house with beautiful roses!

• • № 147. Jir (Gapalaw), Turkey, Bolvadin, 2001

Gapalawla eki elle bir boldu

Oy Gapalaw seni soyġan İjalada kim boldu

Istawatıŋ cılan a cırmaz mursadı…

The Gapalaws united from two sides,

Alas, Gapalaw from the Izha family, who killed you?

Your sheep pen is covered by nettle, not even snakes can penetrate it.

• • № 148. Orayda (at a wedding), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogari Malkar, 2000

Ey, orayda, orayda ra

Ey, kelinni çıġara turalla orayda ra

Ey, hey orira oyra

Ey, aşıqġan etebiz, terkiraq boluġuz

Ey, hey orira oyra

Hey, orayda, orayda, ra,

Hey, a bride’s being carried, orayda, ra.

Ey, hey, orira, oyra,

Hey, let’s hurry,

Ey, hey, orira, oyra!

• • № 149. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, collected by Tamara Bittirova

Calbawur a tab bişgendi qızarıb

Keldi allıma suwumayın tuzlanıb

Calbawurnu qolġa alama quwana

Söz aytama sizni bla cubana

Munu kibik tatlı körün anaŋa

Aşaġanda arı beri qarama

Közüŋ bla çırdılanı sanama

Qartlanı wa sıylaġandan arıma

The liver is served for me

Freshly fried, hot and salted.

I take it with pleasure,

I’m talking with you, the time’s flying.

May your mother see you so sweet,

Don’t keep fidgeting while you eat!

Your eyes should not count the beams,

You should never get tired of entertaining the old!

Comment: Jalbawur is liver fried richly spiced in lard over the fire.

• • № 150. Jir (Qanamat), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogari Malkar, 2000

Saw ceti cılnı da ma Morh başında turġanem

Oy iynanıġız a kiyikle bla wa qoş bolub

İt biyle bla wa açı qazawat eterem

Aqbaş qamama52 da ma eki qolum boş bolub

I spent seven years by the source of the river Morh,

Believe it or not, I lived with deer.

I’d have fought a fierce battle with bad lords

If I’d had a chance to fight freely with my white bone handled dagger.

• • № 151. Jir (Qanamat), Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Hurzuk (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Ebizeleni wa sen cigit tuwġan Qanamat

Közleriŋden a bir cuwub cuwub qan aġad

Saw ceti cılnı Amgata boynun saqladıŋ

Kiyikle öltürüb tawlada etle qaqladıŋ

Öksüz bolub ösgen ediŋ Gapalaw

Köb qıyınlıq körgen ediŋ Gapalaw

Qaruwsuzġa nöger ediŋ Gapalaw

Anasından cigit tuwġan Gapalaw

Carlılaġa sen tayançaq boluwçeŋ

Ala üçün söznü tawkel saluwçeŋ

Qaruwsuzŋa sen a köpür saluwçeŋ

Anasından cigit tuwġan Gapalaw

Valiant Qanamat is the offspring of the Ebze family,

Streams of blood flow from his eyes.

He lived by the side of the river Amagata for seven years.

Hunting, he lived on dried meat.

You remained an orphan, that’s how you grew up, Gapalaw,

You lived a lot in want, Gapalaw.

The protector of the weak, Gapalaw,

Your mother bore you to become valiant, Gapalaw.

Protector of the poor, Gapalaw,

You stood up for them bravely.

You became the bridge of the powerless,

Your mother bore you to become valiant, Gapalaw.

• • № 152. Jir (Biynöger), Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Karachaevsk, 2000

Oy atasından a ol cigit tuwġan Biynöger

Tamada qarnaşıŋ ol it awruwdan awruydu

Ol aŋŋa cararıq ol aq maralnı sütüdü

Anı tutallıq a ana qarnaşıŋı itidi

His father’s son, the valiant Biynöger,

Your brother is lying in bed with scabies.

The milk of the white roe would be balm for him,

Only your uncle’s dog can catch it.

• • № 153. Jir (Qanamat), Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Uchkulan (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Ebzeleni da cigit a tuwġan Qanamat

Eki közüŋden cuwub cuwub qan aġad

Eter ediŋ a sanlarıŋa boş bolsaŋ

Seni bla küreşgen itle bla qazawat

Valiant Qanamat was born into the Ebze family,

Blood is streaming from his eyes.

If you had not been hog-tied,

You would have fought against the wicked dogs.

• • № 154. Jir, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Hurzuk, 2007

Qıçıradı Dawle hahay quwġun

Qaraçaynı şohun, barın, cuwuġun

Çaqırıġız beri ceŋŋil cetsinle

Qara künde bir boluşluq etsinle

Caw kirgendi Hasawkaġa kelgendi

Tab collanı Amantişden bilgendi

Çanka, biydi bizni satıb qoyarıq

Qaraçaynı baġasından toyarıq

Dawle is shouting, alas, spread the news,

Call the friends of the Karachays, their family and relatives,

Call them to come here all

And help in this plight!

The enemy broke into Hasawka,53

Amantish54 told them the way.

Princes, the lords sold us to them

Who’d got fed up with the wealth of the Karachay.

• • № 155. Lullaby, Turkey, Bolvadin, 2001

Arbazıŋda altın terek ornalsın

Baş bulçuġu culduzlanı sanasın

Tüb tamırı Rafat tawdan qarasın

Allah Allah Allah Allah eteyim…

You’re planting a gold tree in your garden,

May its highest branches count the stars.

May its roots reach out from Mount Arafat,

Let me say Allah, Allah, Allah, Allah!

• • № 156. Lullaby, Turkey, Belpınar, 2005

Bellaw bellaw bellaw bellaw böleyim

Seni asker bolub köreyim

Bellaw bellaw bellaw bellaw beşikge

Quwanç bla kelgin sen bu eşikge

Bellaw bellaw arbazıŋda qurmanlıqlar qaynasın

Arbazıŋda at oyunlar oynalsın

Bellaw bellaw baylaw bawuŋ açılsın

Seni başıŋdan bir hayırlı qarġa qıçırsın

Qıçırġan qarġanı başı qarabaş

Saŋŋa tutar seni anaŋ toġuz on a qarawaş

Hush, hush, hush, hush, I’ll swaddle you,

Let me see you when you are a soldier!

Hush, hush, hush, hush, in the cradle,

Come home happily!

Hush, hush, may sacrificial food simmer in your yard,

Let there be a game on horseback there!

Hush, hush, may you escape from your cradle,

May a crow bringing good news sing by your head!

The head of the singing crow is black,

Your mother keeps nine or ten slave women for you.

• • № 157. Lullaby, Turkey, Yağlıpınar, 2005

Qarġalanı qonuşları qoldadı

Kele ese seni dayıŋ coldadı

Coluqġanına senden hapar soradı

Sorub alġanın hurcununa saladı

Hurcununda bolur anı cawluġu

Esen kelsin camaġatha sawluġu

Kişt kişuwla, kişt kişuwla, kişuwla

Etmegeyem sizge açı puşuwla55

The nest of crows is in the valley,

If your brother’s coming, he’s on the way.

Whoever he sees he’s asking about you,

Whatever he gets he puts in his pocket.

His kerchief is in his pocket,

May he bring health to our people!

Puss-puss, cats, puss-puss, cats, cats!

I wish I had been grieving less for you!

• • № 158 Jir about the deportation, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogari Malkar, 2000

Şorhuldaġan suw caġada olturub

Şıbırdadım qulaġıŋŋa aqırın

Şoş tıŋŋılab ışardıŋ da burulub

Şor taratdıŋ cüregimi tamırın

The water’s gurgling by the streamside,

I softly whispered into his / her ear.

You listened silently, didn’t smile, turned away,

My heart was bleeding.

• • № 159. Orayda, Turkey, Yakapınar – Ertuğrul, 2005

… qaraqaşlım, oy

… My dear with black eyebrows, oy!

• • № 160. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogari Malkar, 2000

Men seni üçün süymeklik otda küydüm

Sen aruwçuqnu da duniyada kemsiz süydüm

Men seni köre da ma sizni üyge barsam

Ma seni anaŋ a seni maŋŋa dawsuz berse

I’m burning for you in the fire of love,

What a lot of beauties I’ve loved in this world!

I wish I could go to see you,

And your mother would let you marry me without a debate!

• • № 161. Jir (Gapalaw), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogari Malkar, 2000

Caylıqlanı qoruy ketdi hans boldu

Carlı balam duniyadan tas boldu

Anasına cigit tuwġan Gapalaw

Stawatıŋ cılan cırmaz mursadı

Seni öltürgen İjalanı Mussadı

Anasına cigit tuwġan Gapalaw

He went up to guard the summer pasture, grass was growing in it,

My unfortunate little one departed from this world.

His mother bore Gapalaw to be a valiant soldier,

But in their yard the nettle is so thick that even snakes can’t pass through.

Musa from Izha’s family bacame your murderer,

His mother bore Gapalaw to be a valiant soldier.

• • № 162. Jir (Gapalaw), Turkey, Yağlıpınar, 2005

Gapalawla taş başında caşayla

Gapalawla cıldan cılġa adam etle aşayla

Gapalawum seni öltürgen İjalanı Mussadı

Cılan cırmaz arbazıŋda mursadı

The Gapalaws live in a rocky place,

The Gapalaws eat human flesh every year.

My Gapalaw, you were killed by Musa of the Ižas,

In your yard the nettle is so thick that even a snake can’t get through.

• • № 163. Jir (Heroic song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Kashha Tav, 2000

Cansohları56 Taşlı Qolda caşayla

Ala kesi qıyınların aşayla

Bek tamataları wa Çibijiya bolġandı

Anı başında bolur tülkü börkü, deyle

Üsünde bolur da börü tonu, deyle

Awzunda bardı kümüş üllesi

Tübünde bolur munu da toru atı

The Jansoh family live in the valley of Tashli,

They consume as much as they earn.

Chibizhiya is the oldest among them,

He wears a foxskin hat on his head.

His shoulders are covered by wolf fur,

He has his silver pipestem in his mouth,

His grey horse under him.

• • № 164. Jir (Heroic song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Kashha Tav, 2000

Taş tegene, aġaç elek bolġanda

Kök Teyrisi Cer Teyrisin alġanda

Kök küküreb cer a buwaz bolġanda

Cer carılıb sora Debet tuwġanda

Suw Teyrisi alıb anı cuwġanda

Otdan bolġand ol Debetni cüregi

Qurçdan bolġand sanlarını keregi

Körük bassa Miŋŋi Taw titiregend

When the wash-tub was made of stone and the sieve was wooden,

The God of Heaven and the God of Earth united.

It was thundering when the Earth conceived,

The Earth broke into two when Debet57 was born.

The queen of waters had seen him washing himself,

Debet’s heart was from fire.

The other parts of his body being steel,

When he stepped onto the bellows, Mount Elbrus trembled.

• • № 165. Jir (Qanamat), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Janikoy, 2000

Saw ceti cılnı da men Qaraġaçda caşadım

Oy keçe börüme da kündüz it bolub

Oy iynansaġız a bu qara suwla süt bolub

Asırı açdan a bu qara suwla süt bolub

Sav ceti cılnı da men Morh başında turġanma

Oy iynansaġız a kiyikle bla qoş bolub

Oy igi saġan a açıq qazawat eterem

Aqbaş qamaġa bu eki qolum boş bolub

I lived in Karaagach for as long as seven years,

Alas, at night I was a wolf, during the day a dog,

Alas, you would not believe it, for me spring water was milk!

Hunger made me feel spring water was milk.

For seven long years I lived by the source of the river Morh,

In fact I lived with the deer,

If only I had fought openly,

My hand would have used my white bone-handled dagger freely!

Comment: This song is about Kanamat, who lived alone for seven years, far from human settlements. He was hiding from the Russians in the area around the source of the river Morh.

• • № 166. Orayda, Turkey, Yakapinar - Ertuğrul, 2001
• • № 167. Orayda, Turkey, Yakapınar – Ertuğrul, 2005
• • № 168. Orayda (for a bride), Turkey, Akhısar, 2005

Ohoho rayra rayra oyra marcala orayda orayda

Ohoho rayra rayra oyra ma teŋle alıb kelebiz hoy

Ohoho rayra rayra oyra marcala orayda orayda

Ohoho rayra rayra oyra marcala alıb kelebiz hoy

Ohoho rayra rayra oyra, come on, orayda orayda,

Ohoho rayra rayra oyra, my friends, let’s bring her, hey !

Ohoho rayra rayra oyra, come on, orayda orayda,

Ohoho rayra rayra oyra, come on, let’s bring her, we’re coming, hey!

• • № 169. Lament, Kabardin-Balkar Republic, Ogari Malkar, 2000

Without words

• • № 170. Jir (Domalay), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Bıllım (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Wo, cannetli bolsun a Eçkibaşlanı Domalay

Tınçlıq a coqdu da sen Uçkulandan qoramay

May heaven be your home, Echkibash Domalay!

There’s no solace in Uchkulan till you’ve disappeared from.

• • № 171. Jir, Turkey, Bolvadin, 2001

O, burun zamanda Oġarı Gidamlada qoyçu edim

Qoyla qıyırında men a cuqladım da tüş kördüm, o tüş kördüm

Ol aruw Kıştay bla da başıma hayırlı da iş kördüm

Daġıda ne körmedim, ow teŋle bılay ne kördüm, o ne kördüm

O, Çomalada ma çalman tolu da qoy kördüm

Daġıda ne körmedim, ow teŋle tabu ne kördüm

I used to be a shepherd among the Upper Gidam folks,

I fell asleep beside the herd, I saw a dream.

I did good for the beautiful Kishtay,

What didn’t I see, my friends, what did I see?

I saw a pen full of sheep at the Chomas’,

What didn’t I see, my friends, oh, my, what did I see?

• • № 172. Lullaby, Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2001

Bellaw bellaw böleyim a bala seni wa

Arbazıŋda toru atla(r) oynatıb a köreyim a

Arbazıŋda altın terek ornalsın

Baş bulçuġu culduzlanı sanasın

Meni balam ceti ataġa aylansın

Bellaw bellaw bellaw bellaw böleyim

Altanımı memur bolub köreyim

Altanım a biyle paşala bla aylansın

Altan balam ceti ataġa aylansın

Biyle paşala bla patçahlıqġa saylansın

Hush, hush, I’ll lay you in the cradle, my little.

Let me see chestnut horses jumping in your yard!

May gold trees grow in your yard,

May their branches count the stars!

May the family of my little one multiply,

Hush, hush, hush, hush!

Let me see my Altan as an official,

Let my Altan mingle with lords, pashas!

May my little Altan have a big family,

May the lords, pashas elect him padishah!

• • № 173. From the Nart epic, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogarı Chegem, 1998

Bara corta ketdi Şaway hoyra

Üç künlükge cetdi Şaway hoy hoy

Bara bara ketdi Şaway hoy hoy

Em bla alaşa tillengen ed hoy hoy

Andaġılanı köremise hoy hoy

Közüm cetmey köralmayma hoy hoy

Qart bolġansa igi saq bol hoy hoy

Shavay left running, hoyra,

Three days were just enough to cover his way.

Shavay kept wandering and wandering,

And suddenly his horse started speaking in a human voice:

Can you see those over there?

My eyes are not good enough for that.

You’ve grown old, you’ve got to be more careful!

• • № 174. Jir (about a shepherd), Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Karachaevsk, 2000

Oy Erirey degen quwatdı

Oy carlıġa bergen suwabdı

Carlıġa bergen cal üçün

Bayġa biyge bergen a mal üçün

Ey, Erirey58 means plenty,

Ey, it’s a good deed to give to the poor.

To give to the poor for his daily work,

To give to the rich and the masters for the animal.

• • № 175. Orayda,59 Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Ogari Mara, 2000

Hoy, hoy orayda

Hoy orayda ra rayda hoy

Hoy, orayda orayda

Hoy çıġa eseŋ çıq marca

Çıqmay eseŋ a qoyub ketebiz orayda

Hoy-hoy orayda,

Hoy orayda ra rayda hoy,

Hoy, orayda orayda!

Hoy, if you come out, come now,

But if you don’t, we’ll leave you here, we’ll go away orayda!

• • № 176. Jir, Turkey, Doğlat, 2001

Men a caşlıġımda da Orta Gidamlada da qoyçu edim

Qoyla qıyırında catıb cuqlab a tüş kördüm

Ol aruw Kıştay bla da başıma bir hayırlı da iş kördüm

Ertdenblasında da salıb ıshawatha da men bardım

Ishawatda da bir küyöw nöger a cıydıla

Men a çıqġan edim da küyöw nögerge sanalıb

In my youth I used to be a shepherd at the Middle Gidam folks,

I fell asleep beside the herd, I saw a dream.

What did I do with the beautiful Kishtay,

I left in the morning, I went to the pen.

In the pen best men were gathering,

I was counted among them.

• • № 177. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, (Otarov 2001: 90)

Oy, Candar, canıŋ barsın Kabaġa,

It tamlıla60 cıyılġandıla61 Labaġa.

Murduh başında bir bölek atlı köründü –

Ala tosmu éken, sora cawmu éken?

Ala bizni tashabıznı bilgenle,

Üslerine kök gebenekle kiygenle.

Alas, Jandar, may your soul reach the stone of the Kaaba!

Wicked Abkhazians gathered by the river Laba.

Beside the river Murduh62 some riders showed up,

Are they friends or enemies?

They had got to know our secret,

They covered their backs with grey felt coats.

• • № 178. Jir, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Hurzuk (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Hasavkaġa tuşman asker kirgendi

Tahsaġıznı Amantişden bilgendi

Hasavkaġa tuşman asker kirgendi

Batır Umar qazawatda ölgendi

Soldiers of the enemy invaded Hasavka,

They got to know your secrets from Amantish.

Enemy troops invaded Hasavka,

The valiant Umar was killed in action.

• • № 179. Jir (Emena), Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Karachaevsk, 2000

Biz a çıqġan edik Ullu Bashandan63 kün qaray

Kelib kirgenek Şam Teberdige cer sanay

Biz umut etgenek Ullu Teberdide caşarġa

Bizge buyurulmad Muhunu da budayından aşarġa

We left Ullu Bashan looking for a good day,

We arrived at Sham Teberdi, we settled down.

We had hoped we would live in Sham Teberdi,

We had no chance to eat from Muhu’s wheat.

• • № 180. Lullaby, Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2001

Bellaw bellaw bellaw bellaw belimçik

Bu qızçıq bolsun bay üylege kelinçik

Bellaw bellaw bellaw bellaw böleyim

Balaçıqdan men quwançla köreyim

Hush, hush, hush, I’ll put her to bed.

May this girl be a bride at a rich house!

Hush, hush, hush, hush, I put her to bed.

Let me take great delight in my little one!

• • № 181. Jir, Turkey, Bolvadin, 2001

Sen da süyese men da süyeme

Qara qaşlım, anaŋ nek bermeyd

Oyra orayda rayda ha ha

You love me, I love you, too.

My dear with black brows, why doesn’t your mother let you mary me?

• • № 182. Jir (Gapalaw), Turkey, Yakapınar – Ertuğrul, 2005

Gapalawla eki elle bir boldula

O Gapalaw, anı öltürgen İjaları boldula

The Gapalaws united from two sides,

Oh, Gapalaw, he was killed by the Izha family.

• • № 183. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, (Otarov 2001: 48)

Oy, tay-tay! Qırımdan a kelgen Qırım semenle, Oy, semenle,

Açey ulu Açemezge biydi, handı demelle, oy.

Oy, Tay-tay! Açemezge qonaq bolub tüşdüle, oy, tüşdüle!

Qonaqlaġa birer qaŋŋa iydile.

Oy, tay-tay! Ol qaŋŋadan aşab-içib toymalla, oy, toymalla.

Caw cerinde sawut-saba qoymalla,

Oy, tay-tay! Ékinçi birer qaŋŋa iydile, oy, iydile,

Ol qaŋŋadan aşab-içib toydula,

Oy, tay-tay! Ol qaŋŋada cüreklerin basdıla, oy, basdıla.

Ay, tay-tay! Crimean soldiers from Crimea,

They didn’t say that Achey’s son, Achemez was a great lord.

Ay, tay-tay! They went to see Achemez,

There were tables laid befor the guests.

Ay, tay-tay! They were not sated from those tables,

They didn’t leave their weapons in hostile lands.

Ay, tay-tay! Some more tables were laid for them,

And then they were satisfied.

Ay, tay-tay! They found peace in their hearts there.

• • № 184. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Archive of the Nalchik Radio

Ey Düger Badinatı da cortuwulġa da çıqdıla degendi

Ay arı çıqdıla deydi Tagını boynunda kertme terekge

Ey onow etelle bıla tonow da kerekge

Ay alay da kerekge deydi

Kişini da aşhısın surayla oy ketdile degendi

Alas, Ossetian noble youths set out on a raid,

They went to the pear tree on the side of the river Tagi.

Instead of the robbery they had a debate.

It must have happened so,

They brought the most valiant lad to account.

• • № 185. Jir (Gapalaw), Turkey, Yakapınar – Ertuğrul, 2005

Gapalawla eki boldu, bir boldu

Oy Allah, İjalada seni öltürgen kim boldu

Üç kişi da bir kişige ayıbdı

Oy Allah, İjalada seni öltürgen Ayıpdı64

The Gapalaws had two branches, they united.

Alas, Allah, who killed you from the Izha family?

Three against one, it’s a shame,

Alas, Allah, Ayip from the Izha family did it.

• • № 186. Orayda, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Teberdi, 2000
• • № 187. Zikir, Turkey, Bolvadin, 2005

Qollarına temir toqmaq alırla

Taş sanıŋa temir buġow salırla

Urġan sayın başıŋı tört carırla

Aldanmaġız ahır zaman duniyaġa

Qara kültüm tüşer seni sanıŋa

Aqrabla çabar aqġan qanıŋa

Madar işle mında carlı canıŋa

Aldanmaġız ahır zaman duniyaġa

Your hands are shackled,

Your tense body is forced into an iron trap.

Your head is broken into four with every stroke,

Don’t give in to this passing world!

Your body is covered by black-and-blue spots,

Your outflowing blood is licked by scorpions.

Seek shelter for your peaceless soul,

Don’t give in to this passing world!

• • № 188. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, collected by Tamara Bittirova

Batır Qarça Qaraçaynı başı edi

Üyü anı qara sostar taşdan edi

Halqı bla Ullu Bashanda caşay edi

Buday, arpa, tarı sürüb aşay edi

Qıyınlıqda halqın cawdan saqlay edi

Üsün teşib bir keçeni catmay edi

Hanla, biyle çabıwulda ot salsala

Sabanladan halqı hayır tabmay edi

Vailant Karcha was the prince of Karachay,

His house was built from black granite,

He lived in Ullu Bashan with his people,

They grew wheat and barley.

He protected his people from the enemy,

One evening he didn’t take off his clothes, he didn’t even go to bed.

Rulers, leaders attacked him, they set fire to the wheat,

The people had no crop.

• • № 189. Wedding song, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Karachaevsk, 2000

Eçkibaşlanı da oy bir cigit tuwġan Domalay

Sen a tura ediŋ a bu Narsanada biy kibik

Oy çıġıb kelgen cıltırab çıqġan kün kibik

Alıb baralla bu kömür kibik kül kibik

Domalay was born to the Echkibash65 family to become a champion,

You could have lived like a prince in Narsana66,

He was born to be a radiant sun,

But all of a sudden off he goes, just like coal turns into ash.

• • № 190. Jir (Gapalaw, Kumyk song), Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Khalk-Ayagı (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007
• • № 191. Dance song on accordion, Turkey, Ankara, 2007
• • № 192. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogari Malkar (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Aq tawlanı başların sılay baralla

Bu kökden kelgen ceηηil köksül bulutla

Köllendirgenleyin turadı alanı

Künden küŋŋe caŋŋıdan caŋŋı umutla

Light bluish clouds in the sky wander

Caressing white mountain peaks,

They are encouraged

By new hopes from day to day.

• • № 193. Dance song on the accordion, Turkey, Ankara, 2003
• • № 194. Jir (historical song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, (Otarov 2001: 84)

Hadawcuq67 ulu batır Cambolat, oy, oy,

Atlan, Cambolat, caş Cambolat, a Cambolat,

Atlaŋŋanda da, at arbala cekdirgen,

At arbaġa da qızıl qanla tökdürgen.

Hadawçuq ulu Cambolat,

Atlaŋŋaneŋ Islameyge barırġa

Anda cesir borçla éndi alırġa,

Umutuŋ coğed andan qaytmay qalırġa.

Hadavjuk’s son, valiant Jambolat,

Start Jambolat, young Jambolat!

When he sets out, he drives a cart,

He lets red blood flow onto the carts.

Hadavjuk’s son, Jambolat,

You left for the village of Islamey.

To take the due amount of captives,

You had no hope you could ever return.

• • № 195. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, the outskirts of Nalchik, 2000

Men seni bek süyeme

Süymeklik otda küyeme

Seni körsem aralıb qalama

Bügüŋŋü oyunda

Caş tölü toyunda

Qoltuġuŋdan kirgenleyin barama

Taw başında miyikde

Sekiredile kiyikle

İlişaŋŋa men birin salama

Sen da anıçasa

Tepsewde uçasa

Qoltuġuŋdan kirgenleyin barama

I love you so much,

I’m burning in the fire of love.

When I catch sight of you, I forget everything.

In the dance today

In the feast of the young

I walk taking your arm.

On the mountain top, on the peaks,

Deer are leaping.

I aim at one of them,

You are like it.

You fly while dancing,

I walk taking your arm.

Comment: This is the song of the dance Abezek. The lads and the girls dance it arm in arm.

• • № 196. Zikir, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Jögetey (Ayagı) (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Bellaw bellaw bellaw bellaw böleyim

Balaçıġım senden alġın öleyim

Balaçıġım baldan tolsun tamaġıŋ

Küren tartsın gitçeçigim qabaġıŋ

Qabaġıŋda cüz miŋ atlı otlasın

Arbazıŋda cüz qonakla tohtasın

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim

Bismillah bla men başlayma sözümü

Haq colġa qarat Allah eki közümü

Bilgenim coq ay men carlı ne eteyim

Sıylı Allahha mahtav ıspas eteyim

Hush, hush, hush, hush I’ll lay you in a cradle.

My little one, let me die before you!

My little one, may honey trickle down your throat!

May your village be surrounded all around, my little!

May a hundred thousand horsemen graze their horses in your village!

May you entertain a hundred guests in your yard!

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,68

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

Let me start my word with the name of the merciful and Allmighty Allah!

Let me keep my eye on the path of God!

I know nothing, alas, what shall I do?

Let me extol and praise Allah, the sublime!

Comment: In old times in the Caucasus the villages used to be surrounded by walls to defend them from the enemy. This is also mentioned in the lullaby.

• • № 197. Jir, Turkey, Eskishehir, 2005

Oy Eçkibaşlanı Domalay

Ol a bir keçege da qırq ögüznü kesdirgen

Subay sanların adam haq bla ösdürgen, tabu

Qırġıy sanladan haram haqnı da ösdürgen

Candetli da bolsun Eçkibaşlanı Domalay

Domalayım da oy sabiy boldu caş boldu

Keçe ortada Naçalnikden tas boldu, tabu

Oh, Domalay from the Echkibash clan,

One night he slaughters an ox.

Growing his wonderful body as the son of God,

Feeding his beautiful body with forbidden foods,

May Paradise be the home of Domalay from the Echkibash clan!

My Domalay became a child and grew into a young man,

At midnight he disappeared from beside the Russian commander.

• • № 198. Jir (about Atalay), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Hasaniya (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Keç boldu da Ayuw Çatda qaldı Atalay

Cuqu arada tüş kördü da aytdı bılay

Marcama men keçe turub ketmesem

Ilızmıġa Taşbawatha cetmesem

Ormanantnı kara kültüm etmesem

Atalay a keçe ilgenib uyandı

Örge turub taş hunaġa tayandı

Bir tartıb erlay atha miŋŋendi

Ayuw Çatdan ullu colġa eŋŋendi

Atalay a Düger elge barġandı

Atalay stayed in the Ayuw mountain until late,

What he’d seen in his dream he cited like this:

If I don’t leave in the night

And don’t reach Tasbawat before dawn,

I’ll find Ormanan wounded.

At night Atalay startled out of his sleep and woke up,

He stood up, leaned against a cliff,

And mounted his horse.

From the Ayuw mountain he set out on a long journey,

Atalay went to an Ossetian village.

Comment: Atalay is the hero of a Balkar legend. The story of the song is preceded by Atalay’s returning home from a successful raid, and as evening fell, he had no other choice but spend the night in the Ayuw ‘bear’ mountain. He has a bad dream, he mounts his horse in the dark of the night, continues his way and arrives at an Ossetian village where his friends live. He meets no one he knows, so he’s inquiring of what has happened. He is told that a terrible epidemic of the plague broke out and all his friends got sick and died. After this many Ossetian families settled in Balkar territories and became assimilated.

• • № 199. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, collected by Tamara Bittirova

Taw başları oyra bolur çuwana

Marawçu da kele bolur quwana

Arqasında oyra anı qawalı

Apsatıġa bolur bılay cuwabı

Apsatını berir künü süt kibik

Bermez künü bolur anı it kibik

Berir bolsaŋ tar qoşunda ulutma

Berüwçüŋü oyra bizge unutma

The mountain peaks are steep,

The hunter likes going there.

His rifle’s on his back,

If Apsatı wants it like this.

When Apsatı is generous the sun’s like milk,

When he is not, [hunting] is very diffcult.

If you give us something, don’t torture us among the narrow cliffs,

Don’t forget to give something to us!

• • № 200. Heroic poem (about Tatar Khan), Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Hurzuk (Agócs-Lukács collection), 2007

Cawumla cawalla taw calpaqlaġa oyra köllege

Quwġunla kirgendi oy Qaraçayda ellege, oyra batır a Tatarqan

Nıhıt başından uzatıldı bizge oyra üç quruq

Duwut ayaġından a çıqdı açı quwġun qıçırıq, oyra batır a Tatarqan

Duwut özenine wa Qızılbek asker oyra kirgendi

Qatınnı qıznı wa calan ayaq etib sürgendi, oyra batır a Tatarqan

Rain is falling onto the mountain pastures and into the lakes.

News reached Karachay land; forward valiant Tatarkan!

From the mountain pass of Nihit three flags were sent with the news,

From the lower part of the Duwut we got tragic news, valiant Tatarkan.

Abkhaz soldiers invaded the valley of the Duwut,

Driving women and girls barefoot, kidnapping them. Forward, valiant Tatarkan!

• • № 201. Jir, Turkey, Eskishehir, 2001

Aqbaş da aruw kümüş qamala

Qaraçay caşlanı belinde

O tolu üy a bolsun Haci-Murat

Bılay çıġıb ketgen elinde

Bizni mindirdile oyra mindirdile

Meşinanı artı bölgeŋŋe

Kelmegiz a caşla canazı coqdu

Capon qazawatda ölgeŋŋe69

White-handled beautiful silver daggers,

Stuck in the belts of Karachay lads,

May Haji-Murat have a big family

In the village where he settled down.

We were transported

In a waggon at the rear.

Dont’t come here lads, there’s no funeral service

For those who were killed in the Japanese war.

• • № 202. Bride’s song, Kabard-Balkar Republic, (Otarov 2001: 184)

Ey, kel, qızım a, kel, qızım,

Ullu Holamġa barayıq, qızım.

Oy, uġay, uġay barmayma, atam,

Men Holam élge kirmeyme, atam.

Oy, közlewden suw bermez a, atam,

Oy qatınları kün körmez, atam.

Come, my daughter, come, my daughter,

Let’s go to the village of Ullu Holam, my daughter!

No, I’m not going, daddy dear,

I won’t set foot in the village of Holam.

Its spring gives no water, daddy,

Women don’t stay alive there, daddy.

• • № 203. Jir, Turkey, Yakapınar – Ertuğrul, 2005

Meni qoylarım baralla Alan

Aq qırmalanı aylanıb

Yaqapınar qızları qalġanla sawlay

Qaraçay ellede saylanıb

Közüm a çıraq a baradı anam

Aq qırmada taşlaġa

Alay caraġan toyla kerekdi

Bizni hoyubuzda caşlaġa

My flock of sheep scatters, my friend,

While returning from Ak Kırma.

Every lass remained in the village of Yakapınar,

They’d been chosen in Karachay villages.

I can’t take my eyes, mother,

Off the stones in Ak Kirma.

The lads in our village

Need such a beautiful feast.

• • № 204. Jir, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Commercial Karachay CD, 2000

Kökle tübünde kökbaş üylede

Caşaydı aruw Kögala

Ekibiz birge küyüb barabız

Kögala saŋŋa tarala

Kökle tübünde kökbaş üylede

Men bir qayġısız caşayem

Toyġa oyuŋŋa qoşulmay edim

Men süymeklikden taşayem

Under the sky in a tin-roof house

Lives beautiful Kögala.

We are two at the same time

Who burn with desire for Kögala.

Under the sky in a tin-roof house

I lived happily with no trouble at all,

I never went to a wedding or a party either,

I didn’t know what love was.

• • № 205. Jir, Kabardiino-Balkar Republic, Janikoy, 2000

Da meni anam da bala da küsesin

Ol menden seyir toyġandı

Halq arasında bergen zamanda wa

Meni da tışında qoyġandı

Anı da başında wa bir a buhar börkü

Bir aruw uşayd da başına

Men a anasına da aman bolma dedim

Nek ala bolmaz caşına

May my mother long for a child,

She has had enough of me.

She was ready to serve everyone,

She left me outside.

On her head her Astrakhan hat,

It suits her very well.

I told her not to be wicked to her mother.

Why doesn’t she accept me as her son?

Comment: A child’s cursing his mother.

• • № 206. Song by a known author70, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 2000

Oy terezeden qarab turġanlay

Ay qaya artına taşaydı

Orus da bolmay, Tawlu da bolmay

Mında Vengerlile caşaydı

Ay, looking from the window,

Ay, he disappeared behind the cliff.

Instead of Russians and Karachay-Balkars

Hungarians live here.

• • № 207. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Kara Suv, 2000

Dila71 brigadir bolsam a alan

Pastroykaġa sallıqma(n)

Da sen da meni wa süyüb ölseŋ da

Qaçırıb arı alay allıqma(n)

Da tübüŋdegi atçıġıŋ a caşım

Bardırallıqmısa cürüşün

Kesim süymegenley tiyseŋ a Rasul

Cıyırma cılġa etdirirme südüsün

If I was the brigade leader,

I’d move into the building.

However much you’d love me,

I’d abduct you to marry you.

Your horse is under you, my son,

Can you still encourage it?

Rasul, if you get angry with me for everything,

I’ll get you in gaol for twenty years.

• • № 208. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, collected by Tamara Bittirova

Çille bayraq çaçdıla

Budapeşt degen gorodda

Uruş boşalġaŋŋa cüregim quwaŋŋan

Men sizni körür muratda

Qaralıġıznı saqlaġız deyd da

Oldu da sıylı borçuġuz

Qıyınlıq üçün adam ölmeydi

Acal kelir deb qorquġuz

Silk flags were distributed

In the town called Budapest.

The war was over, my heart rejoiced,

I was burning with desire to see you.

He says: defend your country!

That’s our sacred duty!

Hardships don’t kill you,

Yet do not forget the end!

• • № 209. Lament, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 1998

Keçe da tüşümde men bir tüş körgenem

Bizge bir qıyınlıq cetedi

Meni körgen tüşüm kerti ese anam

Qaraçay Kafkazdan ketedi

Woy Kafkaz tawla, woy miyik aruwla

Bizni demeŋŋili qalabız

Woy siz da cılaġız, da biz da cılaybız

Sizden ayırılıb barabız

Last night I had a dream,

A tragedy was approaching us.

If my vision became true,

My mother would leave the Karachay Caucasus.

Ay, the Caucasian mountains are beautiful and high,

They are our strong castles.

We’re crying, you should cry, too.

We’re parting with you, we’re leaving.

• • № 210. Jir, Turkey, Yakapınar – Ertuğrul, 2005

Dunya bagası qarnaşım a Qadir

Bayram kün telefon etgendi

Dunya carıġım Bayqulum a anam

Bügün askerge ketgendi

Ataŋ a Cahit muhtar bolgand deydile

Endi alay işlege kirmesin

Eki dunyanı da halq etgen Allah

Anı açısın meŋŋe bermesin

The world’s treasure, my borther Kadir

Called me during our celebration,

The world’s light, my Baykul, mother,

Today joined the army.

Your father Jahit, so they say, became a muhtar,

He shouldn’t get involved in anything like that.

Allah who created two worlds,

Should not torture me like that.

• • № 211. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Janikoy, 2000

Üyübüz allında oy suwçuq deyle

Ol betni-qolnu cuwarġa

Alġınça meni qolumdan kelmeydi

Tartıb belimi buwarġa

A stream is flowing in front of our house,

We can wash our hands and face in it.

No longer can I do as I used to,

I can’t gird myself tightly now.72

• • № 212. Lament, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Janikoy, 2000
• • № 213. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Bızıngı, 2000

Aylana-cürüy ketgenme Alan

Tuthanma köksül kögürçün

Qanatçıqlarıŋı kesim keserikme

İyerik tüyülme ölgünçün

Kelçi aruwum, kelçin aruwum

Ma bizni elge barayıq

Sen tuman bolub, men cawun bolub73

Sırtladan birge awayıq

I’ve been wandering about, my friend,

I’ve caught a blue bird.

I’ll cut its wings myself,

I won’t leave it till I die.

Come, my beautiful, come, my beautiful,

Let’s go to our village!

You should turn into fog and I’ll become rain,

Let’s fly like that over the rocks!

• • № 214. Jir on the accordion, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Janikoy, 2000
• • № 215. Song by a known author, Turkey, Doğlat, 2001

Men bek süygen aq bayramda74

Sen bek süygen aq bayramda

Caŋŋı cıl endi cetedi

Uzaqda bolsam da kesim

Tansıqlıq küçlegen esim

Seni bla uşaq etedi

Cer da aqdı, kök da aqdı

Qar suwuqdu, cumuşaqdı

Qarġa atıŋı cazama

Suwuq bolsa barmaq uçum

Atıŋı cazġanım üçün

Erinlerime salama

On our white holiday, which I like so much,75

On our white holiday, which you like so much,

The new year is approaching,

Even though I am far away,

All my thoughts are you,

In my thoughts I’m talking with you.

The earth is white, the sky is white, too,

The snow is cold, it is freshly fallen,

I’m writing your name into it.

When my finger tip is cold,

The one I’ve written down your name with,

I lift it to my lips.

• • № 216. Lament, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Kara Suv, 2000

Cerleni talġır cılanı bolub

Men suwnu örge barġayem

Duniyaġa urluq76 menmi bolluqem

Caratılmayın qalġayem

Biz a birbirni bir bek süygenek

Sen menden ceŋŋil öŋŋeleb

Endi meni üçün qıyam aylansın

Tawladan taşla töŋŋereb

As a yellow land snake

I would have swum upstream.

I was to have remained a seed in the world,

I wish I had remained a promise!

We loved each other so much,

But you soon grew cold towards me.

I don’t even mind rocks

Rolling down from the mountain.

• • № 217. The text is unintelligible, Kabard-Balkar Republic, collected by Tamara Bittirova
• • № 218. Iynar, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Uchkulan (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Qara qaşlarıŋ, burma çaçlarıŋ

Qarab turama men saŋŋa

Keçe tüşümde seni körgenley

Çıġıb qalama men taŋŋa

Buwunçuqlarıŋ kümüşça cıltıray

Barmaqçıqlarıŋ sarı altın

İynana eseŋ iynan aruwçuq

Öleme seni amaltın

I look with admiration

At your black eyebrows and wavy hair.

At night in my dream when you appear,

I can’t go back to sleep till morning.

Your wrist shines like silver,

Your fingers are yellow gold.

Believe me, my beautiful,

I am dying for you.

• • № 219. Lament, Turkey, Yakapınar – Ertuğrul, 2001

Töben elleden kelgen bir atlı

Bu sabiy Nanıq bolurmu

Carıq culduzum muthuz bolġandı

Nanıġım ölgen bolurmu

Men halal çabaq bolġayem Nanıq

Bu suwnu eηişge barġayem

Duniyaġa urluq men mi bolluqem

Caratılmayın qalġayem

A rider’s approaching from the villages below,

I wonder if this child is Nanic.

My bright star has grown dim,

I wonder if my Nanic is dead.

I could have become an edible fish, Nanic,

Swimming down this river.

Was I to become the source of the world?

I wish I hadn’t been created!

• • № 220. Lament, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Hurzuk (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Mahay da Kün da qarnaşladıla, ay da cartıdı kün sawdu

Ol Misirlanı ullu arbazġa bu qara qanla nek cawdu

Çıġara barıb kelgendi deyle Camalını tabhan atası

Camalını tutub alıb baralla, ne edi etgen hatası

Mahay and Kün were siblings, the moon was half and the sun was full.77

Why did black blood have to flow in the court of Egyptian rulers?

Jamal is called by his own father: they’ve come for you,

Jamal’s been caught, taken away, what could he have done?

• • № 221. Jir, Turkey, Yakapınar – Ertuğrul, 2001

Men seni süymey ne eteyim Nürcan

Sen aruwluqġa çek kesgen

Narat hawada miyik tawlada

Sen meni üçün deb ösgen

Men seni süymey ne eteyim Nürcan

Közüme qarab uyala

Keçe cuqlamay bir tınçlıq tabmay

Saŋŋa termile turama

What shall I do not to love you, Nurjan?

You’re the most beautiful.

In the scent of pine, in high mountains,

You’ve been created for me.

What shall I do not to love you Nurjan?

You look into my eyes modestly,

At night, wide awake, unable to find peace,

I’m longing for you.

• • № 222. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, the ourskirts of Nalchik, 2000

Oramnı örge keledile

Süygenlerimi üçüsü

Oŋ canındaġı tamatadı deyle

Oy da qaysı bolur kiçisi

Canıŋdaġı aġaçqab geroh

Ol burulub altı atılad

Oy oy qızla nege almaysız

Bizni elde kezbaw satılad

They’re coming up the road,

Three of my lovers.

The one on the right looks the oldest,

I wonder which of them is the youngest.

Your wooden-stock rifle

Revolves and fires six times.

Ay, ay, lassie, why don’t you buy some?

Secrets are sold in our village.

• • № 223. Lament, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Jögetey (Jangi) (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Seni ayaġıŋda da çuruqla Qanşawbiy

İçleri qandan tolġandı

Meni balintsaġa oy atıġız teŋlerim

Meŋŋe bolur kün da bolġandı

Meni balintsaġa oy atdıla oy anam

Eşikleni üsüme tartdıla

Qıçırıb qadalıb a carlı egeçlerim

Terlegenim sayın çabdıla

Kanshawbiy, the boots on your feet

Are filled with blood.

My friends, take me to hospital,

What could have happened has happened to me.

Alas, mother, I was put into hospital,

And the door was closed.

My poor sisters ran

Crying when I was sweating.

• • № 224. Jir, Turkey, Yakapınar – Ertuğrul, 2005

Teyri malla tıya men malla tıya

Bir aġaç üyge cetgenem

İt da Çerkesleni qarab a körgenley

Men köb saġışla etgenem

Saġışlar a ete turġanlayıma

İşkogum tüşdü esime

Allahdan sora coq edi nögerim

Men köl eteyim kesime

Sure enough, driving the flock

I got to a wooden house.

Seeing the treacherous Cherkesses

Hundreds of things occurred to me!

Absorbed in my thoughts

I remembered my rifle.

I have no friend other than Allah,

I encouraged myself like this.

• • № 225. Jir, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Karachaevsk, 1998

Ey qara tonla cumuşaq qolla

Haram araqıdan toyalla

Kimden tuwġanları belginmegenle

Iyıqdan qatın qoyalla

Geten da könçekle geten da kölekle

Endi gelepeyle kiyelle

Üyünde tawuġu bolmaġan caşla

Birem toru acirge minele

Ey, black fur-coated, soft-handed lot,

Who get drunk on drinks forbidden by Islam!

They don’t even know whose offspring they are,

They throw over a woman each week.

The ones in linen trousers and linen shirts

Are wearing hussar trousers now.

Lads with not a single hen at home,

Are riding black-tailed brown horses.

Comment: The song is about Caucasian people who joined the bolsheviks in the 1920s and suddenly became rich.

• • № 226. Lament (Abdulkerim’s song), Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Jögetey (Jangı) (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Abdulkerimim, Abdulkerimim

Eştir a qoyma qıçırıb

Köksül da kögürçün tuthanem da oy oy

Ketgendi qolumdan ıçhınıb

Abdulkerimni nesin sorasız caşla

Kesim aytayım caşlıġın

Kimle öltürüb barıb a oy alġan bolur elle

Qanına boyalġan başlıġın

My Abdulkerim, my Abdulkerim,

You keep shouting this!

I have caught the blue bird, but

It escaped from me, it flew away.

Lads, no matter what you ask about Abdulkerim,

Let me answer it myself.

Whoever had been his murderer,

He’ll not escape.

• • № 227. Lament, Kabard-Balkar Republic, collected by Tamara Bittirova

Balıq aylançından tizilib çıġad

Bu erkeçleni alları

Ol oq tiygenley qırılıb tüşgened

Abdulkerimni sanları

Abdulkerimim, meni Hızırım

Mallanı tawdan awdurġan

Oy, Bekka uluçuq alay a köreme

Bizge qara qanla cawdurġan

He left from the bend of the river Balik,

The forerunner of this flock of goats.

As the bullet ran into his body, he fell onto the ground,

The body of Abdülkerim.

My Abdülkerim, my Hizir,78

Driving the flock down from the mountain peak,

Alas, it was Bekka’s son,

Who’d brought this disaster on us.

• • № 228. Jir, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Uchkulan (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Oy Mahar özen toymay seni körgen

Köz aldaġan kibik tawlarıŋ

Tik qulaqladan, oġarı buġoyladan

Sarqadıla zemzem suwlarıŋ

Ah, the Mahar valley, I can’t have enough of this sight.

Your mountains are dazzling!

From your steep canyons and spiky glaciers

The water of Paradise is flowing.

• • № 229. Lament, Kabard-Balkar Republic, collected by Tamara Bittirova

Biz Qazaġıstaŋŋa kelgen a bolurek

Nemis faşistni uwundan

Meni wa cüregim içerge termiled

Kafkaznı gara suwundan

Biz Qazaġıstaŋŋa kelgen a bolurek

Ömürübüz mında tururça

Ölsem qabırımı sırtha wa salıġız

Kafkazdan hawa ururça

We arrived in Kazakhstan

Because of the German fascists.

My heart’s only desire is

To drink water from a spring in the Caucasus.

We arrived in Kazakhstan

To get stuck in here till our death.

When I die, place my grave high enough,

Let it be reached by the wind of the Caucasus!

• • № 230. Lament, Turkey, Eskishehir Karachay Derneği, 2005

Anı anası bir bek cılaydı, egeçleri burulub

İyiŋ qayda qalıb ketdiŋ, tıbırıŋ qururuq

His mother’s crying for him, his sisters are grieving.

Alas, where did you get stuck, you who reduced our hearth to ashes?

• • № 231. Jir, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Teberdi, 2000

Beş da altı cılnı tüşümde da körüb

Bıyılġa da deri saqladım

Sredniy Aziyada ma bir a issi kün

Terek salqınında cuqladım

Ayıbdı maŋŋa ma bu süymeklikden

Qalay da esimi taşladım

Alayçıqġa kelib cuqlaġanımda wa

Tüşümde da köre başladım

In my dreams I’ve seen him for five or six years,

I’ve been waiting for his arrival till now.

In Central Asia on a warm day

I fell asleep in the shade of a tree.

Shame on me, this love

Has driven me crazy.

When I got there I fell asleep,

And saw him in my dream, too.

• • № 232. Lament, Turkey, Doğlat, 2001

Çumadanıŋı açalmayın tabu ma çüyle bla açdıla

Quwançha cıyġan haraketiŋi cılay, burula çaçdıla

Her suitcase couldn’t be opened, it had to be forced open.

The trousseau collected for your happy days was distributed sadly, amidst tears.

• • № 233. Lament, Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2001

Üyübüznü allında köget terekle

Alada bitgen baliyle

Aliy, Aliy deb da esime salalla

Aman çeçek qırlıq sabiyle

There are fruit trees in front of our house,

They grow sour cherries.

Aliy, Aliy, they keep mentioning

The child that died of chickenpox.

• • № 234. Lament, Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2001

Alay hucusuna wa boşuna da qalsın

Ataŋ Sülemenni malları

Qan bla irin bolġandı deydile da

Carlı Aliyimi sanları.

May your father Suleyman’s livestock

Remain abandoned like that!

It is said poor Aliyim’s body

Was covered by blood and pus.

• • № 235. Jir, Turkey, Doğlat, 2001

Har iŋŋir sayın kökbaş üyçükden

Aq kögürçünçük qaraydı

Gürcü cibekça cohar çaşçıġın

Ol sabır sabır taraydı

Ol işni süygen allay qızçıqdı

Usta biledi eterin

Köble umutlu bolub cürüyle

Bilmeyle kimge keterin

Every night from the tin-roofed house

A white pigeon is looking out.

Slowly she is combing

Her silken wavy Georgian hair.

A hard-working girl,

She’s doing a good job.

Many go to sue her hoping,

No one knows who she will marry.

• • № 236. Lament, Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2001

Atam Muhacir Kürkge ketgen edi

Zatere motornu satarġa

Qarnaşlarım a nek hazır bolmaysız

Sal aġaçımdan tutarġa

Üstüme de ceşil kırdık bitgelley

İgi bolġanımı bilirsiz

Ser qızlıġımda etgen kölegimi

Teŋ qızlarıma berirsiz

Qıyınlı da anam, ol cazıq egeçim

Ketmegiz meni canımdan

Hasan bla da Hüseyin kelib

Tutsunla da meni salımdan

Süygen teŋ kızım, Sabriya egeçim

Ala ketmesin katımdan

Fevzi bla da Ali İhsan a tutsunla

Sal aġaçımı atından

My father went to Kürk, who’d been expelled from his country,

To sell his tractor.

My brothers, why aren’t you ready

To hold my coffin?

When green grass is growing above me,

You’ll understand that I’m all right.

Give my shirts sewn when I was a small girl

To my friends!

My poor mother and sister,

Don’t go away from me,

Hasan and Husain should come here,

They should carry my coffin!

My dear friend, my sister Sabriye,

Don’t go away from me!

Fevzi and Ali Ihsan

Should lift my coffin from the side!

• • № 237. The text is unintelligible, Kabard-Balkar Republic, collected by Tamara Bittirova
• • № 238. Jir, Turkey, Yakapınar – Ertuğrul, 2001

Oy anam harib sen meni allıma

Köz qaqmay qaraġanlı azmı boldu

Cüregiŋ iynanmay tas bolġanıma

Oġurlu betiŋ alay sazmı boldu

Alas, my poor mother, you’ve never ceased watching my road,

It was too much for you to bear.

Your soul won’t believe it even today that I’ve disappeared.

Will your blessed face fade away like this?

• • № 239. Jir on the pipe, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Karachaevsk, 2000
• • № 240. Jir (love song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 2000

Başıbızdaġı carıq culduzçuq

Ol tawla artına batad

Aruw sıfatıŋ esimden ketmey79

Taŋım aman bla atadı

Men colġa çıġıb allıŋa wa qaray

Eki közümden boşayma

İynan aruwum men ant a eteme

Seni saġına caşayma.

Men colġa çıġıb allıŋa wa qaray

Eki közümden boşayma

Bu süymekligim elge wa bilinib

Bolmaz qayġılaġa qalġanma

A shining little star above our heads

Sinks down behind the mountains.

Before I could forget your beautiful face,

I awake to an ugly morning.

I set out, I keep watching the road.

I’ve lost both my eyes.

I swear, darling, believe me,

Your memory keeps me alive.

I set out, I’m watching your way.

I am all eyes.

When they heard about our love,

I got into incredible troubles.

• • № 241. Jir (funny love song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Kara Suv, 2000

Aq cawluqnu nek baylaġansa

Bitgenmi etgendi boynuŋda

Süydürür duwaŋ bardı deydile, nanım

Qaramay qoymam qoynuŋda

Why did you wear a white kerchief?

Have the seeds sprouted all right?

You have a talisman that brings love, so they say, my darling,

I can’t leave you here till I’ve seen it in your lap.

Comment: bit- here means ‘sprout, come up from the soil’, nani means ‘my dear, my darling’ in Karachay.

• • № 242. Jir (love song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Kara Suv, 2000

Bir canından caşaw tarlıġı

Birsi canından süymeklik

Oy meni künüm qalay qıyındı

Süymeklikden küymeklik

Öksüz a da qalġan kiyik a ulaqça

Tawnu arasında qalġanma

Quş buyuqdurġan tawuq a balaça

Ölür saġışnı da alġanma

The difficulties of life on the one hand,

And love on the other.

Alas, my day is full of torment,

I’m burning with the pain of love.

Like a little orphaned deer,

I stayed in the mountains.

Like a little chicken frightened by the eagle,

Tortured by the fear of death.

• • № 243. Jir on the pipe, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Janikoy, 2000
• • № 244. Jir (Emina), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Janikoy, 2000

Biz çıqġan edik ullu da Bashandan

Şam Teberdige qonaqġa

Oy da meni başım bılay da qalġandı

Da tawruh bla comaqġa

Teberdi allına bolub a turġanlay

Bir bölek atlı köründü

Alanı körgende sabiy a cüregim

Bılay tawġa taşha bölündü

We left Ullu Bashan

For the wonderful Teberdi, for a visit.

That’s how I stayed alive,

And became the hero of tales.

We arrived near Teberdi,

We saw a group of horsemen.

As soon as we had noticed them,

Fear broke my young heart.

Comment: Here the performer confused the names of places, the original text starts like this:

Men barġan edim Ullu Teberdiden

Taşköpür eline qonaqġa

I left Ullu Teberdi

For Tashköpür for a visit.

The title of the song is Akbiyche and Ramazan. Akbiyche was a young girl of noble origin living in Teberdi, and Ramazan a young lad from slave ancestors living in the village of Tashköpür. The girl’s uncle opposed to their relationship and forbade their marriage, that’s why Ramazan ran away with Akbiyche. Her uncle took back the girl and killed her.

• • № 245. Jir, Turkey, Bolvadin, 2005

Ya ataŋ Kökge da cege wa bolur

Ma qara qolan ögüzle

Qarın a cawunda oynay bolur Zeynep

Qara qaş ulan a egizle

Your father ran to Kök,

Black-mottled oxen,

Playing in their bellies is Zeynep,

The man with black eyebrows, twins.

Comment: The text is confused.

• • № 246. Jir, Turkey, Akhısar, 2005

Arnavut da çaldan a cayılıb kelelle

Atam Muhacirni qoyları

Hucularına boşlarına qalsın

Ma Temirçileni toyları

Men da öllügümü bileyedim atam

Ma qoylanı sawarġa oltursam

Duniyalaġa aytılġan bir qız bolluq edim

Ma cıyırma cılımı toltursam

Scattered from the field of Albania.80

The sheep of my father Muhajir are approaching

Cursed be the weddings

Of the Temirji family!

I knew, father, that I would die,

When I sit there to milk the sheep.

I’d have been a famous girl in the world,

If I’d had a chance to turn twenty.

• • № 247. Jir (funny song), Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Ogari Mara, 2000

Esirib üyge men da keleme

Üydegi biyçemi tüyeme

Sora meni türmege kelib alıb keterle

Qallay zawuq künle eterle

I’m coming home drunken,

I beat up my woman at home.

Then they put me in prison,

They live very happy days without me!

• • № 248. Jir (love song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 2000

Its text see: № 249

• • № 249. Jir (love song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 2000

Seni qara çaçıŋ tabanıŋı cete

Közleriŋ küle turġanlay

Uzun kirpikleriŋ közleriŋi caba

Carıqlıġıŋı caşırġanlay

Senden aruw bolmaz oy cerni üsünde

Aruwluġuŋ ay bla erişe

Süymeklik qabhaŋŋa tüşgenme men alay

Qıynalmam çıġarġa küreşe

Your black hair reaches your heels,

Your long eyelashes

Cover your smiling eyes,

Hiding their glitter.

You’re the most beautiful in this world,

Your beauty rivals that of the Moon.

I’ve fallen into the trap of love,

I can’t wriggle out of it.

• • № 250. Jir (love song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Kashha Tav (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Aruwsa deyle da igise deyle

Künden da köre turayım

Aruw nanım, qayda aylansaŋ da

Canıŋa qurman bolayım

You’re said to be nice and good,

I wish I could see you every day!

My beautiful darling, wherever I wander,

I love you very much.

• • № 251. Love song, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Janikoy, 2000

Oy-oy-oy, ah meni da süygenim a

Bir aman açuw etgendi

Ol bolcalından şaşarġa süye da

Bılay qoşha qaçıb ketgendi

Süygenim qoşha wa qaçıb a ketgenli

Oy ışarmayma, külmeyme

Allına qaray men barlıq edim

Kellik bolcalın bilmeyme

Alas, alas, alas my darling

Flew into a fury,

He didn’t mind it was not yet time,

He ran away to the summer pasture.

Since my darling fled to the summer pasture,

I can’t laugh.

I’d go to meet him on the way,

But I don’t know when he’ll come back.

• • № 252. Iynar, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogari Malkar, 2000

Ayt dey esegiz, ayt dey esegiz

Cırlamay qalay qoyayım

Qaygılarımı bir köb etgense

Canıŋa qurman bolayım

If you encourage me to sing,

How could I resist.

You’ve multiplied my sorrow,

I love you very much.

• • № 253. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, collected by Tamara Bittirova

Oqaçıq a peşçiklerinde

Kesi caŋŋızlay catadı

Woy, woy caşla, da nek almaysız

Awuz sözlerin satadı

Awuz sözlerin a ne eterigem

Ne bolur anı baġası

Aruw Okaçıq bir bek mıdahdı

Uruşhan bolurmu anası

On top of the oven Okachik

Is lying all alone.

Ay, lads, why don’t you marry her,

She would plant herself on you.

What shall I do if she inflicts herself upon me?

What’s the point in it?

Beautiful Okachik is very sad,

Has she been scolded by her mother?

• • № 254. Jir (love song), Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Jögetey (Ayagı) (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Men sen aruwnu alay süyeme

Ömürde toymam körgenden

Tawnu başına çıġıb da alırem

Men senden salam bergenden

Oy Candar, Candar canıŋ a barsın Kabaġa

İt Tamlıla da cıyılġandıla Babaġa orayda

Ala wa bizni tahsabıznı bilgenle

Üslerine wa kök gebenekle kiygenle orayda

My beautiful, I love you so,

I take delight in you until my death.

I’d climb up to the mountain peak

To meet the person who brings your greetings.

Alas, Jandar, Jandar, may your soul reach the Kaaba Stone

Wicked Abkhaz gathered at Baba’s,

They learned our secret,

They wore grey felt coats.

• • № 255. Jir (heroic song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Bızıngı, 2000

Tawqan tawlaġa ketgendi Alan81

Taw kiyikleni mararġa

Keligiz qızla wa ma biz barayıq

Tawqannı allına qararġa

Tawkan went to the mountains, my friend,

To hunt on mountain goats.

Come on, lassies, let’s set out,

Let’s see where he is!

• • № 256. Lament, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 2000

Awzuġdan çıqġan awuz a tılpuwuŋ

Orus gramofon tarthanlay

Oy woy Alanla, siz körgenmegiz

Öloku terek çaqġanlay

Süygen caşıŋı kögüztebiz deb

Ölgenni allıma keltirib

Kökbörk nanımı öltürüb qoydula

Araqı şışaġa ot iyib

Sen bizni üyge kirgen a zamanda

Ma bizni üyge kün tiyib

Jarım saġatha alıb çıqdıla

Ol aruwçuqnu öltürüb

The song from your mouth sounded

Like it was coming from a gramophone.

Alas, my fellow country men,

Have you ever seen a wilde rose blooming?

We’ll show you your lover, they said,

Bringing your body towards me.

My darling in the grey hat was killed,

Poison was poured into his Raki bottle.

When you entered our place,

The sun brightened up our home.

In half an hour they took him away,

They took away my darling murdered.

• • № 257. Jir (love song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Bızıngı, 2000

Tülkü çıqġandı meni allımdan a

Tügü qızıldı qanımdan

Men Nanıqaynı saylab allıqma

Saw duniyanı malından

Da arġı tawla arı awsun deydi

Da bergi tawla beri awsun

Men Nanıkaydan qalġandan ese

Közümden qoraġança bolsun

A fox showed up in front of me,

Its fur redder than my blood.

Nanikay82 is more precious to me

Than all the treasures of the world!

The mountians there should turn that way,

The ones here should turn this way!

I’d rather not see them again

Than be deprived of Nanikay!

• • № 258. Jir (soldiers’ song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Bızıngı, 2000

Meni süygençigim oh armiyada

Ol qaçan qaytır, kogda

Men erge barıb, oh qaytıb kelsem

Ol maŋŋa ne aytır, tagıda

My sweetheart is in the army,

When will he come back, when?

If I get married before that,

What will he tell me then?

• • № 259. Jir, Turkey, Bashhüyük, 2001

Közüm a çıraq barġandı, barġandı

Ayaġıŋdaġı meslege

Kete turub a kim tüşdü deb

Alan seni esiŋe

Qırġa ketib barasa, barasa

Oy teŋleriŋden al bolub

Men süygenley süymeseŋ a oy Alan

Anaŋa da kelgin a sal bolub

My eyes stared at

The slippers on your feet.

When you left, my friend,

Who did you think of?

You’re walking in fields

In front of your friends.

If you don’t love me so much as I love you, alas, my darling,

Return dead to your mother!

• • № 260. Jir (love song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, (Otarov 2001: 158)

Cim-cim aruw cıltıratırem

Çaçımı, cuwup, tarasam.

Cılamaġanlanı men cılatırem,

Tarıġuwlarımı sanasam.

Tarığuwlarımı men sanarıqma,

Qalġanla manga tıŋŋılab.

Kökbörk cançıġım sawmu bolluqdu,

Ne tabarıqma men, cılab?

I washed and brushed my hair

Till it became shiny and bright.

If I listed all my troubles,

Even those who never cry would weep.

I’m going to recount my troubles,

The others will all listen to me.

I wonder if my darling in the grey hat is all right.

What can I find, crying?

• • № 261. Lament, Turkey, Akhısar, 2005

Arnavut da çaldan a cayılıb kelelle

Atam Muhacirni qoyları

Hucularına boşlarına qalsın

Ma Temirçileni toyları

Men da öllügümü bileyedim atam

Ma qoylanı sawarġa oltursam

Duniyalaġa aytılġan bir qız bolluq edim

Ma cıyırma cılımı toltursam

The sheep of my father Muhajir are approaching

Scattered from the field of Albania.

Cursed be the weddings

Of the Temirji family.

I knew, father, that I would die,

When I sit there to milk the sheep.

I’d have been a famous girl in the world,

If I’d had a chance to turn twenty.

• • № 262. Iynar, Turkey, Yakapınar – Ertuğrul, 2001

Ayt dey esegiz men da aytayım

İynarlarımı altısın

Qayda köreyim, qayda tabayım

Canımı caŋŋız cartısın

Ayt dey esegiz men da aytayım

İynarlarımı toġuzun

Süygenim a da belgige bergendi

Qolundaġı da qobuzun

If you encourage me so much, I’m going to sing, too

Six love songs from my own.

Where shall I see, where shall I find

The other half of my soul?

If you encourage me so much, I’m going to sing, too,

Nine love songs from my own.

My darling gave his accordion to me

As a token of our relationship.

• • № 263. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, collected by Tamara Bittirova

Kelçigiz qızla ay biz barayıq a

Colları taqır Bashaŋŋa

Men Nanıkaydan qallıq tüyülme

Boynumdan oyra ashaŋŋa

İy, arġı taw da arı awsun deyle

Da bergi taw da beri awsun

Men Nanıkaydan qalġandan ese wa

Közümden qara qan cawsun

Come on girls, let’s go

To the village of Bashan with the narrow streets!

I can’t leave Nanikay

Even if they hang me!

The mountain over there should turn that way,

The one here should turn this way!

May red blood

Rather than be separated from Nanikay!

• • № 264. Jir (Aktamak), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Kara Suv, 2000

Kelçi aruwçuġum paytoŋŋa

Hamut salġanma sarı atha

Ey, cay çillede bezgek bolursa

Alıb ketmesem men naratha

Kelçi aruwçuġum paytoŋŋa

Qobuzuŋu soġa çayqala

Ey, sol canıŋda olturub men barırma

Sorġanıŋa cuwab a qaytara

Come my beautiful, get into the carriage,

I’ve harnessed the yellow horse.

In the heat of the summer you’ll have a bout of fever

If I don’t take you to the pine forest.

Come my beautiful, get into the carriage,

Playing the accordion, dancing!

Let me sit on your left side,

Let me answer if you’re asked!

Comment: This song is a part of İsmail Semenov’s famous Aktamak song.

• • № 265. Jir, Karachay-Ckerkess Republic, Jögetey (Ayagı) (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Ullu Qaraçaydan deydi asker sotnya çıqdı sanalıb

Anala qaldıla wa deydi caşlanı ızlarından taralıb

Asker sotnya çıqġand deydi çoyun maşinaġa basınıb

Otowla qaldıla wa deydi bılay eşikleri tartılıb

A troop of soldiers set out from the great Karachay land,

Leaving mothers behind who wait for their sons.

The soldiers got onto a train,

The gates of the abandoned houses remained locked.

• • № 266. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Archive of the Nalchik Radio

Ma suwnu örge cüzedi deyle

Ol ala çabaq, aq çabaq

Meni canımdan süygenim sense

Kulina degen aqtamaq

Oy senden aruw körmedim Kulina

Oy men caşaġan curtlada

Saŋŋa uşatıb gokka hanslanı

Basmay cürüyme sırtlada

It swims upstream, so they say,

The pied trout, a white fish.

I adore you more than my own soul,

Kulina, the one with the white neck.

I have seen no one nicer than you, my Kulina,

No matter where I’ve lived.

I roam the mountain peaks

Not stepping on flowers that are like you.

• • № 267. Jir, Turkey, Bolvadin, 2001

Başındaġı kök cawluġuŋ da

Aruw köreyem oŋmasa

Adamlıġıŋa közüm qaramayd

Aruwluqçuġuŋ bolmasa

On your head your blue kerchief,

It’s nice unless it fades.

I don’t mind if you’re a good man,

If you’re not beautiful.

• • № 268. Lament, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Uchkulan (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Meni süygenim ketib baradı

Ustolda qalġand suratı

Ekibizden sora da bolurla oy Alan

Cartılay qalġan muratı

Oy seni bla meni üçün canım

Tawlaġa gazet urulsun

Oy senden qalġan meni da duniyam

Tübü başına burulsun

My sweetheart is leaving,

His photo was left on the table.

There are others, alas, besides the two of us,

Whose goal’s got broken.

Newspapers should write about us,

About you and me, my darling!

Deprived of you, my world

Should turn upside down!

• • № 269. Jir (love song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Kashha Tav, 2000

Har ertden sayın a bet qol cuvama

Tawladan aqġan qar suwġa

Sen aruwçuqnu da qaydan a süygenem

Caş cüregime carsuwġa

Endige deri da kirmegen edim

Endi kirgenme tumaŋŋa

Atamı anamı da haram eterça

Ne aruw körüŋŋen ediŋ sen maŋŋa

In the mornings I wash my hands and face,

In the snow-broth running down from the mountains.

Why did I get to love you,

You’ve become the trouble of my young heart.

I haven’t walked so far,

I’ve flown in the fog now.

I opposed to my father and mother,

You looked so beautiful to me!

• • № 270. Jir (historic song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Kashha Tav, 2000

Azret biy a caşay edi da

Ol Malkar Tarında, oy

Oy bu bir üç qatın alġan edi deydile

Bolmay a munu sabiyi

Oy artda bılay qatın alġan ed

Aŋŋa egizle tuwdula

Atlarına wa Bekmırza bla

Biymırza deb a atalla

Azret bey lived there

In the valley of the river Balkar.

Ay, they say, he had three women,

But had no children all the same.

Ay, then he married a woman,

Who gave birth to twins.

One was called Bekmirza,

The other Biymirza.

• • № 271. Jir (love song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 2000

Köklede uçhan alay kögürçün

Qanatı aylanıb teŋŋizge

Ay, kün bulutha kirginçi caşla

Küyow da bolluqma men sizge

A pigeon flying in the sky,

Flaps its wings towards the sea.

Ey, before the sun’s covered by the clouds, lads,

I’ll be your brother-in-law.

• • № 272. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, collected by Tamara Bittirova

Qaysı caylıqda otlay bolurla

İyesiz qalġan mallarım

Süygeniŋ erge kaçdı degende

Qırılıb tüşdüle sanlarım

Qırılıb tüşgen meni sanlarım

Endi tirilmeydile örge

Ay, bu bedişge qalġandan ese

Kirib qalġıyem men körge

I wonder in which summer pasture

My unattended flock is grazing.

When they said my sweetheart got married,

I dropped dead.

I dropped dead,

I never stood up again.

I should have died of the flu,

Rather than live to see such a shame!

• • № 273. Jir, Turkey, Yakapınar – Ertuğrul, 2005

Siz aythan hawle caş men da bolsam a

Qıŋŋırboyun horalaġa minmezem

Siz aythan homuh caş men da bolsam da

Ol aruv Zawranı süymezem

I wish I had been the lad said to be good-for-nothing!

I would not have ridden curved-backed horses.

I wish I had been the lad said to be clumsy!

I would not have fallen in love with beautiful Zawra!

• • № 274. Lament, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Kashha Tav, 2000

Elde sabiyçikle da cılab a kelelle

Suwġa bir atlı ketdi deb

Aliyni egeçleri bir aman cılayla

Aliyge qarġış cetdi deb

Oy suwġa ketgen alay atlını

Qızıl qantor atı barmedi?

Suwnu da başına barıb qaraġanda

Suwnu başı qızıl qanmedi?

The children are coming in the village crying,

They say a rider has fallen into the river.

Aliy’s sisters are crying bitterly,

A curse has fallen on Aliy, they say.

Alas, did the rider that fell into the river

Have a red bay horse?

Was the river bank close to the river

Covered by red blood?

• • № 275. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Janikoy, 2000

Oy hoy marcala deydi da bu küz qoyçula

Ucet awzuna kirdile deyle hoy alay da kirdile

İt gawurla bılanı qaydan bildile

Oy hoy marca deydi da bu Tuwdulanı da wa qaratornu sürdüle deyle

Hoy alay da sürdüle

Küz qoyçula da ulaq83 soydula aşarġa

The autumn shepherds reached the valley of Ujet,84

They reached the valley.

How did the miserable giaours hear about it?

The Tuwdu family’s brown horses,

The flocks got stolen.

The autumn shepherds killed a goatling for dinner.

• • № 276. Jir (love song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Ogari Malkar (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Bılay arı qarasam

Zınada eki çalqıçı

Qatın, qoynuŋa kirmey qalġıyem

Men saŋŋa şaşıb barġınçı

If I look this way,

Two reapers in Zina.

I wish I had not lain in your lap, woman,

When you confused me before I left.

• • № 277. Jir (Gapalaw), Turkey, Bolvadin, 2005

Men başlaġanma da bir baş awruthan haparġa

Qaraçay tarihni anam endigi gençlege85 satarġa

I’ve started a heartbreaking story,

I’m going to tell Karachay history to young people of today.

• • № 278. Jir (Tavkan), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Töben Chegem, 1998

Tawqan tawladan ketgendi qızla

Taw kiyikleni mararġa

Keligiz qızla da birge barayıq

Tawqannı allına qararġa

Tawqan alay caş edi Alanla

Taw kiyikleni tutuwçu

Nögerleri da alay bolġandıla da

Ol tuthanlanı cutuwçu

Tawkan went to the mountains, lassies,

To hunt for mountain goats.

Come on, lassies, let’s go together

To keep watch on Tawkan’s routes.

Tawkan was a brave young man, my friends,

Who caught mountain goats.

His friends were of the same sort,

Those who consumed his prey.

• • № 279. Jir, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, commercial Karachay CD, 2005

Ata curtha eltgen colla kesilib

Oŋluraqla çıqdıq entda bir cazġa

Tüye cıyın barad qumnu tizilib

Ala bara bolurlamı Kafkazġa

Başçı tüye köllendired cıyının

Tiri atlay ant etgença talmazġa

Başçı bolsa bir onowġa sıyınıb

Sürkelib da ceter edik Kafkazġa

We the stronger ones have lived another spring.

A camel caravan’s porceeding in the sand in line,

I wonder if they’ll ever reach the Caucasus.

The leading camel’s encouraging the others,

There’s no way back home,

Walking boldly and untiringly.

Once he’s a leader, faithful to his oath,

We’ll reach the Caucasus even if we have to creep on our knees.86

• • № 280. Jir (modern), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 2000

Süygenim sen alay aruw bolġansa

Ay kün da tohtab qararça saŋŋa

Meni cürek tınçlıġımı alġansa

İynan caŋŋız sense nasıb berlik maŋŋa

Sweetheart, you’ve become so beautiful

That even the sun and the moon admire you.

You’ve taken away the peace of my heart,

Believe me, you’re the only one to make me happy.

• • № 281. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Archive of the Nalchik Radio

Kök kölek caş meni tileyd, hoy

Men barsam ol allıqma deyd, hoy

Bilmeyme qalay eterge,

Kök kölek caşha ne derge

Artda soquranırmamı, hoy

Ol qıznı alsam cararmı, hoy

Ahşı qatın bolalırmı, hoy

Anı awzu ot çaqmazmı,

Üyden bereket qaçmazmı

Men anı qaydan bileyim, hoy

A lad in a blue shirt wants me.

If I go away with him, he says he’ll marry me.

I don’t know what to do.

I don’t know what to tell the lad in the blue shirt,

I wonder if I’ll regret it later.

Will it work out fine if I marry that girl?

Will she make a good wife?

Won’t she have a big mouth?

Won’t blessing escape from our home?

How should I know?

• • № 282. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Bızıngı, 1998

Toy baradı eşik allında

Kelin kelgendi carıq arbazġa

Tolu üydegili bolsunla, ey

Etgen muratları tolsunla

The wedding is going on outside the gate, too.

The bride has arrived at the happy house.

May they have a big family,

May their wishes be fulfilled!

• • № 283. Jir, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Commercial CD, 2005.

Taw dordannı teşib çıġama, oy orayda

Qısır taşlanı sarqıb cuwama, oy orayda

Col uzaqdı, men aşıġama, oy orayda

Taw celni da cetib ozama, oy orayda

Ey, teren özenle, çegetle

Ey, qotur qayala, künbetle

Sizge caŋŋur kelsin, küsetse

Suw tamçılarım, suwuk ayazım

Sizni iynaklay ozama

Soruşalla şorqa suwlarıŋ, oy orayda

Tar özenden keŋŋe çıqsala, oy orayda

Kerek cerde burulub ala, oy orayda

Etedile qulluq adamġa, oy orayda

Ey, teren özenle, çegetle

Ey, qotur qayala, künbetle

Sizge caŋŋur kelsin, küsetse

Suw tamçılarım, suwuk ayazım

Sizni iynaklay ozama

I make a hole in the side of the mountain, I step out from there, oy, orayda,

I gush forth from above slippery cliffs, oy, orayda,

The way is long, I hurry, oy, orayda,

I proceed on the wings of mountain breezes, oy, orayda.

Hey, deep valleys, forests!

Hey, mossy cliffs, mountain peaks,

May you be soaked by rain, may your longing

For my water drops, my cool winds not be in vain.

I proceed caressing all of you.

Your whirling streams calm down, oy, orayda,

Reaching the plain from a narrow valley, oy, orayda,

Where need be, they are satisfied oy, orayda,

Serving the people, oy, orayda.

Hey, deep valleys, forests!

Hey, mossy cliffs, mountain peaks,

May you be soaked by rain, may your longing

For my water drops, my cool winds not be in vain.

I proceed caressing all of you.

• • № 284. Jir (Noghay song), Kabard-Balkar Republic, Nalchik, 2000
• • № 285. Jir, Karachay-Cherkess Republic Jögetey (Jangı) (Agócs–Lukács collection), 2007

Haman callab küreşsem da süymeklik coldan

Qıyın işni bacarırġa kelmez deb qoldan

Boysunmadı cazuw meŋŋe, aldı cesirge

Buyurdu bir qaçhı keçe seni süyerge

I’d like to disappear from the way of your love,

It’s a hard task, I can’t cope with it.

I couldn’t avoid it, I became captive,

One autumn evening I succumbed to the order of fate, I fell in love with you.

• • № 286. Jir, Turkey, Ankara, television studio, 1998

Kökge termilib ösgen naratla

Caşil çepkenli tabiġat

Ata curtumu seyir haparı

Sawlay duniyaġa aytılad

Atam anam da sense Qaraçay

Kiriş tutuşub tawlarıŋ

Üyüm künüm da sense Qaraçay

Erib ketginçi buzlarıŋ

Giant pine trees reaching the sky,

Nature, dressed in green,

Tells the whole world

The interesting story of my country.

You are, Karachay land, my father and my mother,

Your mountains run as a mountain range,

You are my home and also my sun, Karachay land,

Until all your ice melt.

• • № 287. Jir, Kabard-Balkar Republic, Archive of the Nalchik Radio

Köküregim col bolluqdu

Canım saŋŋa qor bolluqdu

Süygen cürek süyülmedi, süyülmedi

Qara künüm ol bolluqdu

Qaşıŋ qara, çaçıŋ qara

Qaşıŋdan da çaçıŋ qara

Cüregime saldıŋ cara

İynanmay eseŋ kel da qara

My heart will be a road,

My soul’s a sacrifice for you.

The loving heart remains unrequited,

This will be my tragedy.

Your brows are black, your hair’s black.

Your hair is even blacker than your brows.

You’ve inflicted a wound upon my heart,

If you don’t believe it, come and see it yourself!