Quranic motives in “Khamsa” by Nizami Ganjavi (based on the story “Yusif”)

Abstract

The motives of the Quran are considered one of the inexhaustible theme and the
ideological and artistic sources of classical Azerbaijani literature. As one of the greatest masters of
the East, Nizami Ganjavi (1141-1209) also in all poems included in his “Khamsa” gave a wide
coverage to the motives and narratives of the Quran. In the poems, along with the narratives of the
Quran associated with the names of Adam, Ibrahim (Abraham), Isa (Jesus), Khyzr, Suleiman
(Solomon) and other prophets, the poet often refers to the story “Yusif”. The studies shows that in
all the works included in the “Khamsa”, there are many episodes, motives and lines related to the
story “Yusif” as separate lines and beits more or less, and they all make a complete impression
about its storyline and general content. In all the poems included in “Khamsa”, Nizami, due to the
use of taken motives from the story “Yusif”, achieves both a more complete, accurate, figurative
poetic expression of thought and an ideological content, a system of images and a variety of poetic
means.