Folk Hero Koroglu

Azerbaijani heroic epics tell about historical events related to the life of the people, people's struggle for justice and freedom. The heroes of these epics are brave and brave people who came out of the people. One of the most famous heroic epics is the "Koroglu" epic.


Probably, Koroglu was a real historical figure. Along with playing swords in the way of truth and justice, there was impromptu poetry reading, music playing, and singing. It is believed that this national hero lived in the second half of the 16th century.


According to legend, Koroglu's real name was Rovshan. The eyes of his father, Ali, were gouged out by Hasan Khan, instills in Rovshan a deep hatred of oppression and injustice. He goes to the mountains to take revenge on the oppressed. He gathers many brave men. He becomes one of the leaders of the Jalali movement. Starting from the middle of the 16th century, the peasant movement covers the cities of Turkey, Azerbaijan and other areas.



Koroglu's main camp was Çanlibel fortress. There are many castles of this name in Azerbaijan. In the sources of the 19th century, the name of Çanlibel is mentioned as a settlement. Koroglu and his comrades-in-arms Giziroglu Mustafa, Deli Hasan, Demircioglu, Balli Ahmed and others fought for truth and justice. Those who read the saga know that Koroglu had a sword in one hand and a saz in the other. He entered the battle with a reed, and after the battle he celebrated his victory with a reed.


Many of the couplets in the "Koroglu" saga are memorized in the language of the people even today. Genius composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli wrote the opera "Koroglu" based on the motifs of this epic. The overture of the opera was and is being sounded like the victory anthem of Azerbaijan.