Dr. Zorab Aloian and Munzur Çem

Two Poems of Sey Qajî from Dêrsîm

Seyîdê Qajî, known as Sey Qajî (1871-1936), lived in the village of Cîwarik, Dêrsîm, and created both lyrics and patriotic poems. His poems have been collected and published after his death. The following are the two typical poems of Sey Qajî, derived from the following book:

Sağniç, Feqi Huseyn. Dîroka Wêjeya Kurdî [A history of Kurdish Literature], Istanbul, 1992, pp. 332-340.

The correct version of the texts and their explanation are provided by Mr. Munzur Çem, a famous author in Dimilî-Kirmanckî and a member of the Kurdish PEN Centre. The English translation is completed by Dr. Zorab Aloian, the secretary of the Kurdish PEN Centre.

Koka Vaşî

Vaş koka xo ser o royeno

Teyr zonê xo de waneno

Kam ke aslê xo înkar keno

Toz erzeno rêça xo sono

Zer vêsayê welatê xo

Vera dismenî eve qar û înatê xo

Sare bide-mede sir û binatê xo

De çîp bukuye per û qanatê xo

To ver û to dima bêro azê to

The grassroots

The grass grows on its roots,

The birds sing in their language;

Those denying their origins

Are only dust-throwing walkers.

The heart can burn itself over the homeland

Facing the enemy with anger and decisiveness;

Should you ignore your kinship constructions,

Nail your wings and channels,

For your strength remains in front of you and behind you.

Usar Ame

Binê bîrîkan o

Binê darikan o

Çefê çenan o

Serê nê banan o

Çefe na xortan o

Binê bîrîkan o

Çefê pîrikan o

Peyê kila doyan o

Çefê veyvikan o

The Spring is there

Under the rocks,

Under the trees

The young maids are joyful.

The hills are over them,

Where the young men are joyful.

Under the rocks

The old women are joyful,

But they all overshadow

The real joy of the brides.

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