The song is based on a real event that took place in 1943 during the British colonial era in Cyprus:
Arab Ali was a strong, well-liked stevedore (port worker) in Famagusta known for his bravery. Grup Abdal MaДџusa LimanД±
A fight broke out. Outnumbered, Ali was brutally attacked and stabbed seven times with bayonets. The song is based on a real event
Grup Abdal’s 2011 rendition of "Mağusa Limanı" is a haunting modern interpretation of a traditional Cypriot folk song. Originally a lament (ağıt) for a man named , the song has become one of the most recognizable pieces of Turkish folk music, blending historical tragedy with deep emotional resonance. ⚓ The Historical Tragedy of Arab Ali Grup Abdal’s 2011 rendition of "Mağusa Limanı" is
He reportedly died while trying to reach the harbor, and the community composed this song to immortalize his struggle against colonial oppression. Mağusa Limanı - Çelebi Programı
One evening, Ali encountered seven Indian soldiers serving in the British Army who were harassing locals at a tavern.