DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2706-6185/52/45-63
Mushfig Chobanov
Azerbaijan Technical University
PhD in Philology
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8684-2722
mborcali@gmail.com
The History, Geography, Publication, Research, and Promotion of the Epic Koroglu
Abstract
The article examines the history of the creation, geography, publication, research, and dissemination of the famous Azerbaijani folk and heroic epic Koroglu. It is shown that the epic’s origins are ancient, its geographical scope is broad, and its publication and translation history is rich and important; likewise, the scope of its research and dissemination is wide and extensive. It is emphasized that the Caucasian–Anatolian version of the Koroglu epic was first formed in Azerbaijan, then became famous among fraternal and neighboring peoples, gaining immortality in the memories of the Turkmen and Georgian peoples, and from there spread to Turkestan, the Turanian peoples, as well as to Europe and the whole world. It is recalled that in the events described in the epic Koroglu, neighboring Georgia is also mentioned; in various variants and versions of this epic, as well as in its plots and descriptions, we encounter the glorification of these places. This is also because Borchaly, an ancient Turkic land throughout history, is located in this area, and the fact that our compatriots have lived in close contact with Georgians for thousands of years brings them even closer. As in the epics The Book of Dede Korkut, Ashiq Garib, Asli and Kerem, Gachag Kerem, and others, in Koroglu there is extensive description of Tbilisi and Georgia. Part of the events in the epic take place precisely here— in Georgia. The positive image of Georgia in the epic, and the description and glorification of its natural beauties, undoubtedly stem from the friendship and mutual trust between our peoples. The influence of the epic on Georgian oral and written literature is investigated. A large number of examples from Georgian poetry, prose, and drama written on this topic are included in the study. In short, the study, research, and dissemination of the epic Koroglu serve to further strengthen the friendship of the Azerbaijani and Georgian peoples and to develop Azerbaijani–Georgian literary relations at a higher level. At the same time, it is noted that general Turkic folklore studies, as well as general Turkic literary studies, have also, in a certain sense, made great contributions to the development of ghazal studies. As a result, it can be concluded that hundreds of scientific articles analyzing and studying the Koroglu epic have been written; hundreds of literary and artistic works have been dedicated to it; hundreds of research works have been conducted; hundreds of monographs have been published; and as the search for Koroglu carried out over centuries has expanded, as Koroglu research has deepened, and as new scientific achievements have been attained, Koroglu studies, folklore studies, and even literary studies have constantly developed and become richer. That is why our Koroğlu lives today and will live tomorrow!
Keywords: Azerbaijani epics, folk epics, heroic epics, ashug, creativity, fugitive, Koroglu, Tbilisi, Georgian, writer, work, epic, motif, plot, description