Primary Source XXXIX: The Ballad of Hasan Bulli

Hasan Bulli is a significant figure in the history of Cyprus. A notorious bandit who roamed the island’s rural landscape in the late 19th century, he became something of a folk hero--often compared to Jesse James. His daring deeds and the stories surrounding his gang became the stuff of legend in Cypriot folklore. Turkish Cypriot poet Hafız Cemaleddin immortalized them in a poem titled Cyprus Bandit under the British Rule published on June 21, 1896.

Next month, join The History of Cyprus Podcast as I welcome Dr. Mehmet Demiryürek to discuss brigands and bandits in 19th-century Cyprus!