The ideas and motifs of Dede Gorgud in the creativity of Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh

Abstract

The research presented in this article clearly shows that Azerbaijani poets have long drawn inspiration from the motifs of Dede Gorgud in their works. After its publication in the first half of the XX century, the epos gained popularity and became a source of inspiration for skilled reciters. The tradition of incorporating Dede Gorgud motifs into modern poetry naturally evolved in line with the cultural and historical atmosphere of the time. During periods of repression, interest in the epos declined significantly, almost fading away. However, it later regained attention and became even more influential. From the 1950s onward, Kitabi-Dede Gorgud emerged as an important theme in Azerbaijani poetry during the Soviet era, leading to the creation of numerous poems and epic works. Poets such as B.Vahabzade, N.Khazri, I.Safarli, H.Arif, A.Abdullazada, Hidayat, V.Jabrailzade, N.Kesemenli, and R.Z.Khandan produced compelling poetic works inspired by Dede Gorgud.  Poems influenced by Kitabi-Dede Gorgud hold great significance in understanding how this epos has shaped modern Azerbaijani verse. Generally, these poems fall into two categories:  1. Poems that incorporate elements of the epos; 2. The poems written on motifs of “Dede Gorgud”.  We can give examples of the poems of the first category. These works are not directly based on Dede Gorgud but reference its characters and themes. In many of these poems, figures such as Salur Gazan, Beyrek, and Garaja Choban symbolize bravery, while Dede Gorgud represents wisdom. However, simply mentioning these names does not necessarily make a poem fully centered on Dede Gorgud. The poems of the second category: Poems deeply rooted in the motifs of the epos – These works, written by poets like N.Khazri, B.Sahand, A.Abdullazada, Z.Yagub, N.Kesemenli, T.Elchin, and R.Tahmazoglu, explore the themes, ideas, and characters of Dede Gorgud in various artistic forms and styles.