Amir Allah

Turks have always believed in the existence of a single divine power, and they have built and articulated their lifestyles in obedience to the fact that individual or social life is shaped from that center. Perhaps for this reason alone, they have overcome many adversities, felt the ability to melt iron mountains impossible to climb, showed patience like cracking stone, returned from their plateaus many times and gave order to the world, and then returned to their plateaus as if nothing had happened. Because rebellion against the obedience of "Emir Allah" was out of the question. What could be more natural than the thinness of the neck of those who acted without a moment's hesitation in resisting against all kinds of difficulties, impossibilities and helplessness in the face of the judgment of the Absolute Being!

"All else in this world is a lie, a lie, a lie, except death" is not only a popular song but also an accepted social and individual truth. The source of every truth is, of course, the Absolute Being. As long as the center of the eye is in the brain, its mobility in the heart, and its enthusiasm in the heart is the Absolute Being, "the sun has risen and the sun has set" is of little importance. Perceptions, beliefs and practices regarding death and the afterlife, which is defined as "the loss of one's material source of life by the separation of the soul from the body", vary from region to region and culture to culture.

Death, the fear of death and the hope of immortality are among the most exciting controversial topics of cultures. In our understanding of civilization, where the world is considered a "stop", death is seen as a transition, and the body or soul continues its life in various forms. While the body turns to dust, the soul, which is essentially immortal, goes to the realm of waiting until the Day of Judgment after the interrogation in the grave, without being entitled to treats or blessings according to the deeds and records in the world.

Despite this fateful event, the effort to survive in this world, to continue to live and keep alive is always essential. As can be understood from the phrase that is pronounced every day, "If there is a top, there is also a bottom", death appears as a curtain or a simple means of transition between the two. As the poet Abdurrahman Karakoç, who points to the effort to make life aware with faith, says in two lines; "Either you rise with Islam or you rot with denial. This path does not end in the grave, you will see when you go."

The moment of death is the end of world life and the beginning of the hereafter. One should be careful about the words one utters and avoid despairing and heartbreaking words. Allah's mercy, forgiveness and forgiveness should be mentioned and prayed for as much as possible. Because, like every living being, human beings will play a leading role in such a season finale scene and then disappear from the eyes and hearts. It should never be forgotten for a moment that the moment of surrender is never the end.

The time to close one's eyes has always been "premature death". From a technical and scientific point of view, this term, which is used for those who die below the average age in a certain population, is known to have much more meaning. It can be extended to seeing the offspring of their children with or without fame, maintaining retirement, achieving comfort, seeing their projects come to fruition, and so on. It is also possible to evaluate the same issue in terms of the owners of fame. However, what should not be forgotten is the "Command of Allah". "Would the Prophet have died if he had never been beautiful?" The cessation of breathing is understood by the fogging of the mirror held to the mouth, and the stopping of the heart is understood by the absence of a pulse. Cooling, solidification and odor are signs of imminent death.

The duty of those who remain is the salaah, the funeral prayers, the soil thrown into the grave, prayers and visits. The person who is about to surrender his/her soul is turned to his/her right side, facing the qibla, if possible. If this is not possible, the person is placed on his back with his head slightly elevated and his feet extended towards the qiblah. If this is not possible, he should be placed in the most appropriate position so as not to cause distress. The eyes, knees, fingers and hands are thoroughly straightened. It is also Sunnah to tie the chin with a large cloth. A metal weighted object of use such as a knife, cleaver, scissors, sword, dagger is left on the body, which is believed to prevent the devil from coming and to prevent the body from swelling biologically. The importance of iron and blacksmithing in Turkish culture is obvious. It is thought to symbolize the wishes of the soul to reach God easily and to be protected from the wrath of evil spirits.

Although the funeral salaah was a kind of announcement of death, since there was a need to know the identity of the deceased, this information was announced by dellâl and munâdîs who were circulated in the past after the salaah was given. These officials would go around the major parts of the city and announce the name, fame, lineage, and profession of the deceased, and where and when the funeral would take place. This was a reminder to the survivors of their de facto, legal and religious duties. Today, deaths are communicated to those in distant places via telephone and new media platforms.

Condolence visits are organized for the sake of those who have lived and even for the living. The name of this visit, especially among Yoruks, is widely used as "Emir Allah", and the participation of almost everyone, small and large, in Emir Allah is considered an indispensable duty. In Silifke, it is referred to as "Emir Allah's", in Mersin as "Emir Allah'tan", and in Denizli as "Ruling Allah's". In neighboring districts such as Nazilli, Ödemiş, Kiraz, Beydağ, the name Emir Allah continues to be used.

The cypress tree appears on tombstones as "the picture of death and mortality" and on fountains as a symbol of life. It is possible to see the reflections of the cypress tree in Turkish culture first in the tree of life motifs. Cypress trees in the tombs make visible those who merge with the earth and reflect the message that the steps to be taken should be taken accordingly. Wherever the feet reach, it prevents the feet from remembering the place they will return to.

During "Emir Allah", which is considered an impossible task to avoid locally, this provision is pronounced at the first encounter. Visitors bring tea, sugar and other things with them and pass on from generation to generation that life goes on and that the stoves and coffee pots need to boil. A small example of the reinforcement of social unity through natural events is represented, and social missions are passed on to new generations.

The naming of the verb, which has become a cultural symbol that comes from the highest authority, the infinite power, and therefore obliges trust rather than obedience, has been manifested in a way befitting the vast color and richness of Turkishness. Tawakkul, which expresses trust and surrender to the Creator of the heavens and the earth and all His plans, means taking all necessary measures to achieve an ideal, making every effort to the best of one's ability, trusting Allah Almighty in one's heart and expecting the result from Him. "The journey is ours and the victory is Allah's." Such a life, such a march, must leave behind a "pleasant sound" and this begins with visits to "Emir Allah".

Dating back to the mythology of the Turks, "Hızır Ata" comes to the aid of people in difficult times, and has extraordinary features that allow him to disguise himself as others. No one can recognize him unless he introduces himself when he appears. In Turkish mythology, he walks ahead in the guise of a wolf and guides those who believe in victory. As it is clearly seen in the interview conducted by TRT in the fiftieth year of the Great Offensive with one of the soldiers who participated in the victory, which is available to everyone on the You Tube channel with the search words "Veteran of the War of Independence Mehmet Ali Soy Describes the 26.08 Day of the Great Offensive", "a wolf passed in front of us, a wolf passed to our left. Twenty meters apart, he passed in front of our banner. We said victory is ours Inshallah! Victory is ours! That's what the soldier shouted." This issue, broadcast on the public screen in mass media, connects the event to the march from eternity to eternity, from the dark ages to the passion for independence. It is not possible to break this bond because; "Allah is the Emir".

Although the most real event of the march from eternity to eternity is not mentioned much in works such as novels, poems, stories and movies, some records have also been recorded. The purpose of the research subject is nothing more than a small addition to the records.

Sökeli researcher writer Mustafa Uluçay, who recently passed away, Söke Mayor Levent Tuncel, Efeler Municipality Council Member Savaş Akçöltekin, Vağız Oğlu from Bashkortostan, Cyprus Veteran Nuri Sürer and Aunt Dudu reminded us of the expression "Emir Allah" and the visit that surfaced in the Yoruk life of the Turkish Nation. During our visits and phone calls to their relatives, we also conveyed the name of the event: "Emir Allah"