Podcast
Dede Korkut Podcast
One tale per episode, in Dede Korkut's own voice. The stories are inspired by the epic, retold in plain, modern English and narrated as if by the fire. There is also a Turkish edition.
Where to listen
You can also subscribe by adding this address to your podcast app:https://dedekorkut.nido.tr/en/podcast/feed.xml
Episodes
Introduction: Who Was Dede Korkut?
Who was Dede Korkut, and where do these tales come from? A short introduction to the wise bard of the Oghuz, his kopuz and the twelve tales told for a thousand years. Start the series here.
Boğaç, Son of Dirse Khan
Because he has no children, Dirse Khan is seated in the black tent at the great feast. At last a son is born, and the boy earns his name by facing a raging bull. But forty jealous men poison his father's mind with lies. A tale of a mother who never stops searching and a son who forgives.
Deli Dumrul, Son of Duha Koca
Deli Dumrul builds a bridge over a dry riverbed and forces travellers to pay to cross it. One day he challenges Azrael, the Angel of Death. When his life is at stake, his father and mother turn away, but his wife does not. A tale that makes you laugh and makes you think.
How Basat Killed Tepegöz
Born of a fairy and a shepherd, the one-eyed giant Tepegöz holds the Oghuz to ransom for years; no arrow can pierce him and no sword can cut him. Basat, raised by a lion and back from a distant raid, defeats the giant not with strength but with wit.
The Plundering of Salur Kazan's Camp
While Salur Kazan is away hunting, the enemy lord Shokli Melik raids his camp; his wife Lady Burla and his son Uruz are taken captive. Only the shepherd Karajuk stands his ground with his sling and keeps the flocks safe. Together, khan and shepherd ride after the enemy and bring the family home.
Bamsi Beyrek, Son of Kam Bure
Promised to Banu Chichek since the cradle, Beyrek is taken captive on his wedding night. Sixteen years later he comes home disguised as a minstrel, draws the bow no one else can bend, and keeps his promise.
The Captivity of Uruz, Son of Kazan
Salur Kazan takes his son Uruz to the borderlands to teach him courage. When Uruz is captured, his mother Lady Burla mounts her horse and rides out with the rescuers.
Kan Turali, Son of Kangli Koja
Seeking a bride stronger than himself, Kan Turali fights a bull, a lion and a camel for Lady Seljan. When he is in danger, it is Seljan who saves him, and his real test is to overcome his pride.
Yigenek, Son of Kazilik Koja
Yigenek's father has been in the dungeon of Duzmurd castle for sixteen years. Yigenek marches on the castle with the Oghuz lords, and it is the young Yigenek who faces the giant Direk Tekfur.
Emren, Son of Begil
Hurt by a joke of Kazan's, Begil withdraws to his own lands and is wounded while hunting. When the enemy seizes the moment, his young son Emren, who has never seen a battle, rides out to guard the border.
Segrek, Son of Ushun Koja
Learning that his elder brother Egrek is a prisoner in the castle of Alinja, Segrek leaves his own wedding to rescue him. The castle lord sets the two brothers against each other before they know who they are.
Salur Kazan's Captivity and His Rescue by Uruz
Salur Kazan is taken prisoner and spends years at the bottom of a well, yet he refuses to mock the Oghuz. Uruz, the son his father once rescued, now comes to rescue his father.
The Revolt of the Outer Oghuz and the Death of Beyrek
The lords of the Outer Oghuz take offence at Kazan, and Aruz Koja turns their grudge into a war between brothers. Beyrek, who will not break his word, gives his life for the unity of the Oghuz. The last tale of the book.
Credits
Narration is AI-voiced. Background music and sound effects from Wikimedia Commons: Hüseyni Saz Semaisi (public domain), "Campfire sound ambience" by Glaneur de sons (CC BY 3.0), frame drum hits by Swietliste (CC0).