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jazıwshınıń portret jaratıwǵa degen jańa dóretiwshilik qatnası bolıp sanaladı. Bul bolsa qaraqalpaq
ádebiyatındaǵı portret poetikasınıń er jetip, quramalasıp kiyatırǵanlıǵınan derek beredi.
Juwmaqlap aytqanda,sheber súwretlengen qaharman portreti shıǵarmanıń kórkemlik hám tásir
etiw dárejesin ele de arttıradı hám oqıwshınıń shıǵarma ishine ele de tereńrek kirip barıwına imkanyat
jaratıp beredi. Jazıwshı K.Smamutov shıǵarmalarında usınday sheber súwretlengen qaharman
portretleri júdá kóp. Jazıwshı shıǵarmaların oqıp barar ekenseń, avtordıń ózine tán bolǵan proza
dóretiw usılların hám júzikke qas qondırarlıqtay sheber súwretlewlerin ańlaysań. Bul bolsa kitap
oqıwshılarınıń kórkem shıǵarma oqıwǵa degen qulshınısların arttıra beredi. Demek, jazıwshınıń
shıǵarmaların ele de tereńrek hám keń túrde izertlew ádebiyatımız aldında turǵan wazıypa desek
boladı.
Paydalanılǵan ádebiyatlar:
1. Алламуратов Ғ. Хәзирги каракалпак романларында портрет поетикасы. - Нөкис:
Qaraqalpaqstan, 2024.
2. Дмитриевской Л.Н. Пейзаж и портрет: проблема определения и литературного анализа
(пейзаж и портрет в творчестве З.Н.Гиппиус). Монография. - Москва: 2005.
3. Смамутов К. Сизлерге айтып кетежакпан... роман-ессе. – Нөкис: БИЛИМ, 2017.
4. Смамутов К. Солақай. // Әмиўдәря, 2007. №2.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE KARAKALPAK EPICS «KYRK KYZ» AND
«ALPAMYS»
Bazarbaeva Miyassar Saypatdin Qizi
2nd year Bachelor’s Student,
Berdakh Karakalpak State University
Annotation:
This article presents a comparative analysis of two significant epics in Karakalpak
folklore: Kyrk Kyz and Alpamys. Both epics emdiv the heroic and moral values of the Karakalpak
people, such as heroism, loyalty, justice, and love for the homeland. The analysis reveals the unique
characteristics of each work, with Kyrk Kyz emphasizing female heroism through the portrayal of
forty young women defending their homeland, while Alpamys centers on the personal journey and
heroic feats of a single male protagonist. Both epics play essential roles in the preservation of
Karakalpak cultural identity, but they differ in structure, focus, and thematic elements. The article also
discusses the mythological, folkloric, and social contexts in which these epics were created, noting
the influence of historical events and cultural values on their narratives.
Key words: Karakalpak folklore, epic poetry, Kyrk Kyz, Alpamys, heroic journey, moral values,
cultural identity, mythology, social context, tradition, customs.
Epic dastans hold a special place in the cultural heritage of the peoples of Central Asia, including
the Karakalpak tradition. Their significance goes beyond the realm of artistic literature — they are a
crucial means of transmitting historical memory, spiritual values, and national consciousness. In this
context, the study of Karakalpak folklore, especially its epic component, becomes especially relevant.
It contributes not only to the preservation of cultural heritage but also to the strengthening of national
identity in the context of globalization.
The epics
«Kyrk Kyz»
(Forty Girls) and
«Alpamys»
are vivid examples of the Karakalpak oral
folk tradition. They reflect the worldview, moral ideals, and life principles of the people, as well as
their notions of heroism, honor, and justice.
The Kyrk Kyz epic in the Karakalpak version tells the story of forty brave young women who,
under the leadership of Gulaym, defend their homeland from foreign invaders. The main events of the
epic include organizing the defense, battling the invaders, strategic leadership of military actions, as
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well as demonstrating loyalty, resilience, and female solidarity. The heroines act as a unified force,
displaying not only physical strength but also the ability to make wise decisions in difficult
circumstances. The focus here is on collective female heroism, devotion to the people, and high moral
qualities, which makes Kyrk Kyz a unique piece of Karakalpak folklore. Mythological and folkloric
elements play an important role in the narrative: the symbolism of the number forty, the image of the
leader as a sacred figure, references to rituals, omens, and legends. These elements lend the epic a
special poetic quality and depth, connecting it with ancient views of the world and the place of humans
within it. [1]
The Alpamys epic in the Karakalpak version tells the fate of a brave young man who undergoes
numerous trials for love, honor, and justice. Key events include the birth and growth of the hero, his
participation in the courtship of the beautiful Gulaym, separation from his family, capture by enemies,
escape, and return home, and the restoration of order and justice. This version of the epic is a classic
example of heroic narrative, where the protagonist embodies the ideal of a
man- batır
: strong, noble,
just, and deeply devoted to his homeland and family. The structure of the epic clearly reflects social
and historical contexts: the customs of courtship, concepts of honor and shame, the roles of family
and kin, as well as the social and political conflicts of the era. Through the fate of Alpamys, the epic
portrays a world where honor and duty outweigh life, and the strength of spirit becomes the decisive
quality of a true hero. [2]
Both epics address universal themes such as the defense of the homeland, love, friendship,
loyalty, heroism, and the battle between good and evil. However, there are important differences in
the themes of the epics. Kyrk Kyz places emphasis on female heroism and the collective defense of
the tribe against external enemies. This gives the epic uniqueness among Turkic heroic works. In
contrast, Alpamys focuses on the personal feats of the
batır
(hero), courtship, and the establishment
of justice after a period of trials. The motifs also have their own particularities. In Kyrk Kyz, the
mythological concept of the woman-warrior as a bearer of strength and spiritual purity is prominently
expressed. The epic is rich in images that emdiv female wisdom, honor, and determination. In
Alpamys, traditional motifs of heroic epic prevail: the hero's birth, trials, overcoming obstacles, and
the return to restore order.
In Kyrk Kyz, the central figure is Gulaym — a charismatic and determined leader of the young
women. She is endowed with the qualities of a leader: bravery, wisdom, justice, and loyalty. The other
forty young women are depicted as a unified whole — a symbol of strength, mutual assistance, and
heroism. They emdiv the collective image of the protector of the people, and their actions are based
on loyalty, courage, and discipline. In Alpamys, the main hero is Alpamys — an ideal batır, strong,
just, and valiant. He undergoes numerous trials, demonstrating both physical strength and spiritual
resilience. Other characters in Alpamys include Baybori (the hero's father), symbolizing wisdom and
the support of the clan, and Kultei (a loyal friend), emdiving the motif of friendship and loyalty.
The plot of Kyrk Kyz is based on a series of recurring episodes related to enemy attacks and the
defense against these threats. This structure helps to create a rhythmic narrative and highlights the
resilience of the heroines. While Alpamys has a classic structure of a heroic epic: exposition (the birth
and growing up of the hero), rising action (courtship, trials), climax (capture and escape), and
resolution (return and restoration of justice). The epic has a linear plot, filled with dynamic events and
development. [3]
When comparing the two, it can be noted that Kyrk Kyz is closer to an epic saga with collective
narration, whereas Alpamys is an adventure epic focused on the journey of a single hero. Both epics
are rich in poetic devices, including fixed epithets (
erk júrek
— brave heart,
qara kóz
— black eyes),
similes (
arıslanday batır
— hero as a lion) and metaphors (
júrek otı
— fire of the heart). Traditional
expressions typical of oral folk art, such as
basına baxt qondı
(happiness descended upon his head)
and
ata-baba ruxı qollasın
(may the spirit of the ancestors support him), are used as part of the
formulaic language. The rhythmic organization of the texts reflects the features of the oral tradition:
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a clear meter (usually 7- or 8-syllable lines), the presence of rhyme (either paired or alternating),
repeated phrases and addresses (aytti,aytti; ketti, ketti), which aid in memorization and performance
by the
jiraw
(epic singers). The use of addresses and exclamations (oy xalxim!; batirim-ay!) creates
the effect of live communication with the audience. Both epics contain detailed descriptions of daily
life and military culture. In particular, they mention aspects of nomadic life, such as the
qar uy
(traditional nomadic dwelling), national clothing
— shekpen, kamzol, kúlpak
— household items like
tógaraq
(dish),
samavırın
(samovar), weaponry such as
aybalta
(axe),
nayza
(spear)
, qılısh
(sword),
sadaq
(bow). In scenes of feasts or weddings, the preparation and serving of
kúmıs
(fermented mare's
milk),
et
(boiled meat) are described, along with the observance of hospitality traditions and family
hierarchy.[4]
The epic Alpamys conveys the idea of the batır ideal — a brave, just, and devoted hero. Through
the image of Alpamys, the importance of clan ties (júz, ruw) is emphasized, as well as loyalty to one's
word, respect for parents and elders. It also describes the traditions of courtship (quda túsúw), the
trials of the suitor, and rites associated with the birth and growing up of a boy, including the ritual of
the first haircut (túsaw kesiw). The epics also reflect beliefs and mythological concepts: dreams as
omens, miraculous births, magical helpers, and divine protection for the heroes play important roles.
This reflects the syncretic nature of thinking, where rational and irrational views of the world coexist.
In Alpamys, the hero's struggle for justice and the restoration of order after his family’s enslavement
is reflected. In Kyrk Kyz, the main conflict revolves around the defense of the homeland and female
selflessness. Historically, the epics refer to periods of intertribal conflicts, struggles with external
invaders, as well as the idealization of the past — a time of heroes who preserved the honor of the
clan and the land. Thus, the epics Kyrk Kyz and Alpamys are a rich source of knowledge about the
social structure, daily life, ideals, and mythology of the Karakalpak people. They preserve the living
thread of national consciousness and historical heritage.
The comparative analysis of the epics Kyrk Kyz and Alpamys revealed both common features
and important differences between them. Both works reflect key values of the Karakalpak people —
heroism, loyalty, love for the homeland, collectivism, and the pursuit of justice.These epics are not
only literary works but also cultural codes that preserve the historical, social, and spiritual guidelines
of the people.
References:
1. Qaraqalpaq folklori. Kóp tomliq. 1-8 tomlar. – Nókis: Qaraqalpqstan, 2007. 55-59pp
2. N.G.Allambergenova. Karakalpak Folklore: The Epos “Alpamysh” and its Role in the
Spiritual Life of People. Anglisticum Journa. vol: 7.June 2018
3. H.B. Paksoy, DASTAN GENRE IN CENTRAL ASIA, Modern Encyclopedia of Religions
in Russia and the Soviet Union (Academic International Press, 1995) Vol. V
4. Qaraqalpaq tiliniń tusindirme sózligi. 4 tomlıq. 1-tom. – Nókis: Qaraqalpaqstan, 1982
5. Конысов, Г., & Уразниязова, Г. (2023). Роль глобальной сети в процессе изучения
иностранным языкам. Ренессанс в парадигме новаций образования и технологий в XXI
веке, 1(1), 395–396. https://doi.org/10.47689/XXIA-TTIPR-vol1-iss1-pp395-396
6. Реймова А. Ж., Утешова З. Х. ДИДАКТИЧЕСКИЕ СИТУАЦИИ, НАПРАВЛЕННЫЕ
НА РАЗВИТИЕ ТВОРЧЕСКОЙ КОНСТРУКТИВНОЙ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ УЧАЩИХСЯ
//Интернаука. – 2021. – №. 23-1. – С. 78-79.
