The symbolic function of natural objects and elements in Azerbaijani poetry of the 1920-1960s

Abstract

Nature’s phenomena and manifestations, as well as its objects and elements, hold a central imagecreating function in artistic thinking. Natural elements such as mountains, rocks, cliffs, trees, seas, springs, and others – which are active components of poetic imagination – do not merely serve an aesthetic purpose. Rather, they function as means of modeling and comprehending the surrounding world and reality, carrying philosophical significance and symbolic meaning. In the creative works of each poet, the frequent use of a specific element of nature reflects their memory, worldview, way of perceiving and interpreting life. That chosen image-symbol becomes a medium for expressing the poet's intent, message, and personal, intuitive emotions. Symbols and images like mountains, plane trees, seas, stones, rocks, violets, etc., are recurring symbolic motifs in our national poetry. This article will analyze the figurative function of traditional nature symbols in poetry samples by S. Vurğun, R. Rza, A. Kerim, N. Khazri, G. Gasimzade, N. Hasanzade, M. Yaqub, H. Kurdoglu, T. Bayram, and others. It will particularly focus on the various symbolic layers of the mountain as a root and universal symbol, the transformations of the tree symbol into plane, oak, willow, poplar, and similar variations in modern poetry, and the symbolic dimensions of the moon image, including moonlight. These aspects will be thoroughly examined and analyzed in depth.