The Romeos and Juliets of Anatolia
1.) A legend well-known especially in the East: the story of Ferhat and Sirin. According to this legend Ferhat was a famous craftsman who lived during the Persian time in Amasya. One day he was called to a small palace built for Sirin, Queen Mehmene Banu’s sister, to show his art on its doors and walls. But something unpredictable happened when Ferhat and Sirin saw each other. They fell in love. Ferhat went to Queen Mehmene Banu and told her that he wanted so marry Sirin. The Queen didn’t want this marriage and told Ferhat, "If you want to marry my sister Sirin, you must dig a huge channel right in the middle of the Elma (Apple) mountains of the city. Then, you must make the water come through this channel to the city. If you succeed, you may marry my sister. If you fail, forget her." It was a 'mission impossible'. With the power of love, Ferhat started to dig the mountain. But when he was just about to finish the channel, he received a message from Mehmene Banu: Sirin is dead. With great anger Ferhat threw his hammer in the air but the hammer fell on his head and he died on the mountain he was digging. However, the message was a lie and after having heard about it Sirin went to the mountain and there she saw Ferhat’s dead body. She jumped from the rocks of the mountain and killed herself. Ferhat and Sirin couldn’t be together while they were alive but now their graves are next to each other. People believe that every spring there are two roses growing from each grave and while the roses are about to touch each other, a black bush appears in the middle of them and doesn’t allow the roses to kiss each other.

(source: Amasya Ili TravelGuide)

2.)Leyla und Mecnun

Ancient Leyla and Mecnun found in sarcophagus (Turkish Daily News)



unable to put image here showing LEYLA and MEJNUN by Fuzuli

This does sound like Romeo and Juliet.

Plot summery: (from a movie)

Ferhat and Sirin are passionately in love. Her sister Meryem wants her to marry the Greek king. King Husrev saves Sirin from the attack of the Greek soldiers. The people attack Husrev, thinking he is a spy. Ferhat helps him to get healed. Meryem is in love with Ferhat, she prevents him to be with her sister. Husrev fancies Sirin. Ferhat leaves Sirin to Husrev as an example of self sacrifice. The city needs water, it can only be obtained by drilling the mountain. Ferhat volunteers, Husrev wants Ferhat and Sirin to get together. Meryem's maid tells Ferhat that Sirin is dead. Ferhat is disappointed, he dies as the mountain collapses. Sirin finds his body and dies out of sorrow. The souls of the lovers shall meet in the heaven of immortality.

Written by omayra73@yahoo.com

I don't remember where I heard this, but someone told me that Eric Clapton's song, "Layla" is about this story. I don't know if it is true or not. Anyone know?

Eric Clapton "Layla"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAlkN-r49pc

...and can we please have the proper (sexier) version!!!

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=JY8j-8oktTQ

Leyla Turkish style:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=x-Np4H0Tw5I