Drama bridge, Hasan, it’s narrow, it can’t be crossed
Its waters are cold, Hasan, not a drop can be drunk
Let your horse gallop, Debreli Hasan, let the mountains echo
Let Hasan Karakedi listen in the Drama prison
Did you think the gravestones, Hasan, were for sheep?
Did you think killing a man, Hasan, was a game?
Let your horse gallop, Debreli Hasan, let the mountains echo
Let your friends listen in the Drama prison
Drama bridge, Hasan, it's narrow, so tight
I don't want much, Yanko Çorbacı, just fifteen hundred lira
Let your horse gallop, Debreli Hasan, let the mountains echo
Let Hasan Karakedi listen in the Drama prison
Did you cross the Drama bridge, Hasan, at night?
Did you drink the cup of death, Hasan, before you died?
Let your horse gallop, Debreli Hasan, let the mountains echo
Let your friends listen in the Drama prison
Story
Debreli Hasan was raised in Drama. Known by the name "Debreli," he was a folk hero and outlaw who operated in the Drama, Serez, and Sarisaban regions before the population exchange. He had the Drama Bridge built with the tribute he took from the wealthy oppressors of the people who made money through injustice during that time. While the exact time period of Debreli Hasan’s life is unknown, it is widely believed that he was contemporary to Çakırcalı Efe. There are even stories that suggest they had conflicts, indicating that Debreli Hasan dominated the mountains of Macedonia between 1870-1920. According to a popular legend, a Jewish merchant from Thessaloniki was traveling to Izmir for trade. He was warned that if he passed through Debreli's area, he would not be able to pass through Çakırcalı's territory in the Aegean mountains, and this proved to be true.Debreli's gang was not large. The only known member was a man named Karakedi, a close associate of his. What made Debreli Hasan beloved by the people was his generosity, especially in helping poor people, particularly marrying off young couples who were in love but couldn't afford it. One popular legend tells the story: "A young man from the mountains, intending to get married, was on his way to the Iskece market with his only calf. His path was intercepted by Debreli Hasan. Upon learning that the young man had no money for the wedding, Debreli gave him enough money for the celebration and advised him not to sell his calf." The legend continues, with Debreli eventually receiving the sultan's pardon, or according to one version, escaping from the authorities during the population exchange and migrating to Turkey.
In short, Debreli Hasan has taken a special place in the hearts of the Rumelian Turks with his legendary status.
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