Only the wolf is missing: 'Kara Murat' from Hatay keeps nostalgia alive

38-year-old Abdullah Cila, a father of three living in the İskenderun district, began collecting historical items, records, and musical instruments in 1995. Cila, whose passion for antiques emerged during his high school years, became increasingly curious about the past with each passing day. After collecting historical items and clothing, Cila eventually bought a horse and began traveling on horseback during the day. Cila, also known as Kara Murat in the region, is met with great interest from citizens.

'I PREVIOUSLY COLLECTED RECORDS BY ARTISTS'

38-year-old Abdullah Cila, who lives in the Denizciler neighborhood and is a center of attention for citizens, said, “Since about 1995, I have had a passion for nostalgic musical instruments and record players, so I wanted to collect them in a room like this. To live in connection with nostalgia and culture, of course. I previously collected records by artists. The stone records I used were quite damaged in the February 6 earthquake; I managed to save them in a chest, but many of my other instruments were damaged. They were broken, we repaired them and put them back, but they didn't stay the same as they were. Our collection has been going on for years. If I'm not mistaken, I bought the 1926 model gramophone from a friend in Manisa. It plays in an original way, about 10 years ago, and we listen to it; the artist singing from the gramophone is as if they are right next to us, it has never entered electricity or any recording. Since it is sound and has a winding handle, it works entirely with its mainspring because there is no electricity at all.”

'I PREFER RIDING A HORSE TO RIDING A VEHICLE OR A CAR'

Stating that he has been going many places on his horse for about 5 years, Cila said, “We also have a passion for horses. Since our ancestors and grandfathers also rode horses, it is a separate hobby and a separate pleasure for me. I said I must have a horse, I must ride my horse and gallop. I ride a horse like in the historical films or Yeşilçam films like Cüneyt Arkın. It's not that hard to ride a horse, to look after a horse. I really enjoy it. To keep our culture alive, things like archery on horseback that were done in the past or for sports. Since I like all of these, this is my own separate hobby. I have had my horse for about 5 years, I feed it in Denizciler and I do all its care myself. Many people in the region know me. In fact, when they see the horse, they give us names like 'the horseman uncle has arrived, the mounted sipahi has arrived' or 'Kara Murat, Malkoçoğlu has arrived'. It's a very beautiful thing; I even went to my workplace on my horse. I prefer riding a horse to riding a vehicle or a car,” he expressed.

66-year-old Rıfat Kara, who lives in the Denizciler neighborhood, said, “In my opinion, Abdullah Cila is the best example representing Denizciler. With his wonderful museum, his horse, his saz, his words, and his behavior, he is a perfect person.”

News Source: İHA