Kuloğlu

 The term "kuloğlu" generally refers to the sons of "yeniçeri" and "kapıkulu" soldiers in the Ottoman military organization. It was also used for the children born to Turks who settled in North Africa in the so-called "Garp ocakları" (Western Ottoman regiments) in Tripolitania, Tunisia, and Algeria through marriages with Arab, Berber, and Andalusian Muslim women.

Kuloğlu appears to be one of the most important folk poets of the 17th century. We do not have sufficient information about Kuloğlu's life. Based on his poems, it can be inferred that he was primarily a soldier-poet and served both in land and naval forces. He is known for his poems about the famous Baghdad Campaign led by Sultan Murat IV and his participation in battles in Algeria.

There are two opinions about Kuloğlu's real name: one view suggests that his real name was "Süleyman," while the other view suggests that his real name was "Mustafa." Kuloğlu's name is mentioned in Evliya Çelebi's famous work, the "Seyahatname" (Book of Travels). He is believed to have been a contemporary poet alongside Kayıkçı Kul Mustafa, Katibi, and Âşık Ömer.

While Kuloğlu recites poems about heroism, he also delves into love and expresses them through his saz (musical instrument). According to some researchers, he is believed to be from Safranbolu, and his son is known as Muhasip Mehmet Paşa, one of the notable statesmen of the time. It is said that he died at a relatively young age, around 40 years old.

During his lifetime, he had widespread fame and respect. His influence can be seen on subsequent generations. His language is simple yet effective. However, at times, Kuloğlu also faced the dilemmas of Ottoman Turkish.

Kuloğlu is a master poet who had a deep understanding of the techniques of folk poetry and produced beautiful works. His main subject was love, and there is hardly any trace of mysticism in his poems. He was a poet of both soldiers and love. Kuloğlu possessed an inner depth and artistic nature. It is due to these qualities that his fame endured until the end of the 18th century. Numerous studies have consistently proven his widespread reputation.

Reference:

Cahit Öztelli, "Üç Kahraman Şair: Köroğlu, Dadaloğlu, Kuloğlu," Milliyet Yayınları, 1974.