Turkmen Literature

Turkmen literature began its journey of development in the 15th century, although its roots extend back over a millennium to the early Turkic peoples. Since its inception, Turkmen literature has continuously evolved, reflecting the diverse political and sociolinguistic changes within Turkmenistan.

The Turkmen people trace their lineage to the ancient Oghuz Turks. The earliest surviving written records in the Turkic Uyghur language date back to the 7th century AD, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become Turkmen literature. During the flourishing period of Turkic literature from the 5th to the 17th centuries, one prominent figure was the 13th-century poet Emre Yunus. At that time, the modern borders of Central Asia had not yet taken shape, and the southeastern region of present-day Turkmenistan was part of the historical Khorasan, now located in Iran.

Turkmen-specific literature began to emerge in the 15th century, marked by the publication of Rownak-ul-Islam, a notable religious poem. It wasn’t until the 18th century, however, that Turkmen literature began to take a more distinct shape, largely due to the influence of Magtymguly Pyragy, a revered poet and philosopher often hailed as the Father of Turkmen Literature. Pyragy’s literary contributions were groundbreaking; he composed over 800 poems primarily in the form of folk songs. He shifted from the Arabic poetic style to a syllabic system that emphasized the number of syllables in a line rather than stress patterns. His works, celebrated for their rich content and innovative style, were preserved and popularized by the bakhshi (traveling musicians and storytellers) who recited them orally. Pyragy’s works, which articulated the desire for unity among Turkmen tribes and incorporated scientific knowledge and references to other literary sources, have become a cornerstone of Turkmen literary heritage.

In the 19th century, a new wave of writers and poets emerged, contributing to the growth of Turkmen literature. Figures such as Shabende, who wrote about courageous folk heroes, and Mollanepes, known for his novel «Zore ve Takhir,» which criticized the treachery of courtiers and rulers, made significant contributions. Mollanepes’s poetry is noted for its rich vocabulary and vivid character portrayals. Other poets from the early 19th century, including Zelili, Seydi, and Kemine, used their lyrical prowess to address social issues and advocate for the unity and freedom of the Turkmen tribes. Zelili, in particular, critiqued corruption and the harsh treatment of the common people. However, many works from poets such as Zynkhari, Bailly, Dosmyammet, Ashyki, Allaguly, Allazy, Khusup Khodja, and Garaoglan have unfortunately been lost to history, surviving only in memory.

The 19th century also marked the advent of printed editions in Turkmen literature. Prior to this, education was conducted in the now-extinct Chagatai Turkic language, and literacy among the traditionally nomadic population was limited. The modern Turkmen language, based on the Tekin dialect, began to develop in the early 20th century, accompanied by the publication of a Russian-Turkmen dictionary and a Turkmen grammar book.

The Russian influence in Turkmenistan, beginning in the late 1800s, played a significant role in preserving literary works through the performances of bakhshi and other musicians. During the Soviet era, Turkmenistan was established as a socialist republic, and its literature was expected to align with communist ideologies. In the 1930s, Soviet literary critics conducted extensive studies of Turkmen literary heritage and trained new writers. Berdi Kerbabayev emerged as a prominent figure during this period, advocating for Soviet values and translating the works of renowned Russian authors such as Pushkin, Lermontov, Gogol, Tolstoy, and Gorky into Turkmen.

The 20th century introduced new themes into Turkmen literature as writers like Bishare Mohammet Gilich and Molla Durdi addressed issues such as the critique of religious clergy, traditional lifestyles, and educational reforms. Topics like women’s emancipation and the construction of the Karakum Canal also became prominent. Molla Murt, the first Soviet-era Turkmen poet, celebrated socialism through straightforward language. Agakhan Durdyev also made notable contributions with poems like «Shock Wave of Workers,» «Gurban,» «In the Sea of Dreams,» «Beauty in the Claws of an Eagle,» and «Meret.»

Following the dissolution of the USSR and Turkmenistan’s attainment of independence, the literary landscape underwent another transformation. Contemporary authors began focusing more on individual experiences and personal emotions. Modern writers such as Orazguly Annayev, Gurbannazar Orazgulyev, and Gurbaniaz Dashgynov have gained recognition both within Turkmenistan and internationally, continuing the rich literary tradition of their country.