Abstract

JANNATOVA, Gunel Kamran. The structure of the epic space in the ancient Oghuz-Turkic epos “The Book of Dede Gorgud”. Universidad y Sociedad [online]. 2024, vol.16, n.1, pp. 342-349.  Epub Feb 28, 2024. ISSN 2218-3620.

The objective of this work is to analyze the structure of the epic space in the ancient Oghuz-Turkic epos “The Book of Dede Gorgud”. It was found that despite the lack of a syntagmatic plot sequence, the Oghuz epic space unifies its twelve parts, acting as a poetic feature. On the other hand, the epic space's fragmentary nature mirrors the plot's dynamism, with changes contingent on circumstances encompassing the Oghuz and their adversaries, the infidels, with clear boundaries separating their spaces. Internally, the Oghuz epic space comprises the Ichoghuz at the center and the Dashoghuz at the periphery, emphasizing their distinct habitats. Mountains serve as transitional spaces between order and chaos in the mythological context, particularly during Oghuz noble men's hunts. It the work it is seen how infidels consistently breach Oghuz epic space boundaries which serves to unify Oghuz resistance, and also how sacral images like Gaba Aghaj, Gara dagh, and Gunortaj are integral to Oghuz ethnic-spiritual identity and symbolize organic elements.

Keywords : “The Book of Dede Gorgud"; Epic space; Sacral spaces.