Dialogue on Çoğlu Village Between Explorer Öcün and Scholar Öznil
Explorer Öcün: Hello, Scholar! Today, we’re heading to Çoğlu Village, located 33 km north of Karaman city center at an altitude of 1010 meters. To get there, we take the Karaman-Karapınar road, turn right at the 30th kilometer, and go another 3 km. It’s quite a high place. What do you think we’ll discover here?
Scholar Öznil: Yes, Çoğlu Village’s location is truly fascinating, Explorer! But its history is what makes it really interesting. Before joining Karaman in 1905, Çoğlu was actually connected to Karapınar (Sultaniye) Old District. It appears in records dating back to the 1500s. The village was on the old main route linking Karaman to Karapınar and Aksaray. Even the old military road from Konya to Ereğli passed through here.
Explorer Öcün: It was a significant transit point back then! Caravans from places like Damascus, Aleppo, and Egypt would pass through here. Even during Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent’s first campaign to Iraq and Murad IV's Revan campaign, this route was used. It’s a village steeped in history!
Scholar Öznil: Absolutely! This village carries traces from the Ottoman Empire. For instance, Murad IV stayed here in 1635 and recorded that the village was in ruins. Due to the Celali Rebellions, many people from the village had migrated elsewhere. But over time, the population started to grow again.
Explorer Öcün: Yes, while the population was low in 1748, Bozulus Turkmens from Karaman were settled here. Later, in 1795, other Turkman groups also settled. These were part of Ottoman resettlement policies. The original inhabitants of the village were from the Salur tribe.
Scholar Öznil: Exactly. The Bozulus Turkmens and the Salur tribe form the historical roots of this village. Over time, many families moved to other places, and even people from Artvin migrated here. However, the primary development of the village was through agriculture and livestock. Recently, livestock has started to replace traditional farming practices.
Explorer Öcün: Yes, agriculture has been prominent here, and a water cooperative was established to support irrigation. They’ve switched to irrigated farming, planting wheat, barley, and chickpeas. Corn and sugar beets are also among the crops. Yet, livestock, especially small-scale animal husbandry, still continues.
Scholar Öznil: Çoğlu is truly an essential settlement located on a transit route. Additionally, nomadic shepherding is still practiced here. In spring, those engaged in livestock and farming migrate to the highlands. The vast land and pasture around the village make it well-suited for pastoral life.
Explorer Öcün: Yes, the historical and natural structure of Çoğlu is truly impressive. Its role as a transit point throughout history has greatly influenced the village’s culture. Being in a village with such a rich history is truly inspiring. Plus, the surrounding mountains and valleys provide a beautiful backdrop.
Scholar Öznil: Indeed. The history, the lifestyle of its people, and the years spent on these lands make Çoğlu an even more meaningful place. Exploring this village feels not just like a journey but a dive into history and culture. Shall we continue exploring?
Explorer Öcün: Sounds great, Scholar! Let’s continue to uncover every aspect of Çoğlu Village closely.
