“ABBAS AND GULGEZ" - TRUE LOVE OF FOLK ASHUG

Abstract

One of the Azerbaijani love epics – “Abbas and Gulgaz” - is investigated in the article. The analysis considers the motif of ‘buta’, which is the basis of the love saga named after the classical folk representative - Ashug Abbas Tufarganli. Conclusions are drawn about Ashug Abbas Tufarganli - a lover of music and word who gained a high reputation of his people, who conquered the pinnacle of art and achieved immortality. Through this epic, the people have erected a spiritual and eternal monument to their favourite master.

The elevation of the nation's favourite to the status of a truth-teller is particularly emphasised. Thus, the gopuz-saz is considered a sacred ancient musical instrument in the consciousness of our people. Ozans - ashugs who performed this gopuz (saz) with their singing are also inviolable and sacred in the people's consciousness. From this point of view, ashugism as a kind of musical art has always occupied a high stage in our national outlook. The notion of the people's favourite was considered and perceived in the same degree as the lover of truth.

The article substantiates the proof that the legendary life of a truthful bearer of high values - the people's favourite - has been immortalised in the people's memory. This eternal life is manifested in the epic thought by giving the favourite of truth Abi-Kovsar (water of abundance) and giving him a ‘bottle’ (a distinctive sign). The victory of Ashug Abbas over trials and tribulations throughout the epic in the person of an ashug in love who won ‘buta’ is an expression of the people's endless love for the favourite of truth.

In the end, the article provides general conclusions about the truthfulness and truthfulness of Ashug Abbas, who successfully overcame adversity. These features clearly express Ashug's inner experiences through sacred lyrics. The sacred values in the person of truthful ashug, true ashug and saz (word) are inseparable from each other.