A LOOK AT THE HISTORY OF THE RESEARCH OF THE “DEDE QORGUD” EPISTLE

Abstract

Since it became known to the scientific world, “Kitabi-Dade Qorgud” has been continuously studied in various aspects, and a considerable scientific library has been formed about it. Although “Kitabi-Dade Qorgud” is similar to other Turkic epics in terms of the topics and content it covers, it stands out for its originality in many aspects. Although the epic is known to the scientific world as a written monument, the fact that it existed in oral tradition for a long time is beyond any researcher’s doubt. Precisely because it lived in oral tradition for a long time, various versions of the epic are still being discovered in various geographical areas of the Turkic world until recent times.

Although it was first known to the scientific world in the 19th century, the discovery of a new manuscript belonging to “Dede Qorgud” in 2019, and later the discovery of another new manuscript in the Turkish city of Bursa, show that there is still much to be said about this magnificent monument.

The epics reflect the heroism, fighting spirit, steadfastness, sublime love, in short, the most beautiful features of our people. It is a responsibility to convey and analyze our epics, which tell about the socio-political situation of that time.

The epics created and kept alive by the Turkish people in different periods served to enrich spirituality. The Oghuz chronicles of “Dade Gorgud” are considered historical sources that reflect the family life and struggle of the Turkish people with spiritual images. This epic is one of the greatest literary monuments of the Oghuz and a valuable historical source.