THE PLOT LINE OF THE EPIC OF "GURBANI": A COMPARISON BETWEEN THREE DIFFERENT VERSIONS

Abstract

Various versions and variants of the epic "Gurbani", which is considered one of the most beau-tiful examples of the art of the Ashiq, are known to science. Briefly, these can be noted as the Ganja, Diri, Shirvan, Zanjan, Istanbul, Anatolian versions and the variants formed around these versions. In this article, we will compare the three main versions – Ganja, Diri and Anatolian versions. While examining the versions of the epic and the variants formed on their basis, although general similarities are observed in the plot line, some different episodes and motifs, and different characters are encountered. Considera-ble differences are observed in the goshmas and geraylis used in the versions of the epic, and there are also different points in the toponymic names. We believe that studying all the similar and different as-pects will form a general idea about the epic, will lead to the presentation of comprehensive and com-plete considerations, and will show the unique position the epic occupies in Turkish culture.