Nizami and Oriental Folklore Traditions

Abstract

Nizami creativity had brought completely new topics, images, humanitarian ideas to the Oriental literature in XII century. Since its appearance, it went beyond the literary aesthetic space, the borders of the whole East and became an example of art which the world reads, enjoys and is influenced by and learns from it. The Oriental folklore and written literature had influenced the Nizami’s creativity. In the article, the impact of Oriental folklore traditions on Nizami’s works has been investigated and comparatively analyzed.
In "Khamsa," Nizami by glorifying the national dignity of all nations along with the Turks has left a new monument to humanity. In Nizami’s works equality, humanism, promotion of positive moral and spiritual qualities, motives of good and evil occupy a significant place. The reason of this approach is something that we should look for in his own personality and identity. Nizami by depending on national folklore memory, Oriental folklore traditions put his own nation over the top. Nizami in the "Khamsa" by inserting some ideas and characters such as humanism, philanthropy, benevolence, and justice that are characteristic of Turkish and Oriental folklore examples into his works started new path in literature.