Tradition and innovation in modern kazakh-karakalpak poetry

Аннотация

В данной статье рассматривается современная казахско-каракалпакская поэзия, её развитие и особенности. Автор анализирует присущие поэзии художественные черты, уделяя внимание соотношению традиций и новаторства в современной казахско- каракалпакской поэзии. Также даётся характеристика современного состояния и направления развития данного литературного процесса. For national poetry, reflecting on past history is a sacred pursuit, equivalent to searching for lost roots. This theme has never ceased to exist in Kazakh-Karakalpak poetry. Even during the oppressive eras of Tsarist Russia and the Soviet regime, our poets and writers did not shy away from portraying the contours and figures of historical memory in their works. This is because the issue is closely tied to a nation's self-identity and its understanding of its own place and stature. In today's poetry, this tradition has found new life. Contemporary poems and epics revisit the once-silenced pages of history and the figures who fell victim to past political repression, offering fresh poetic interpretations and restoring them to their rightful place. Folk legends and other cultural legacies are now being celebrated within the broader framework of global civilization and spiritual values. The past is being reevaluated with new perspectives and insights. When poets turn to historical themes, the melodies of poems and laments naturally echo in their minds and hearts. To capture the true essence and reality of past eras, no tune is more fitting than that of the era itself. In Kazakh-Karakalpak poetry, the poetic tradition of the zhyrau (bards) continues to shine as a vivid example of artistic expression, carrying its spirit from century to century. Kazakh scholar B. Ybyrayim highly values this tradition, describing it as “one of the most significant periods of Kazakh artistic thought.” Tolgaus (didactic poems) are recognized not only as the pinnacle of Kazakh poetry but also as an authentic reflection of Kazakh history. The poetry of the zhyraus (bards) is remarkable for its unity of form and content, conveying deep thoughts and ideas with precision, power, and truthfulness. This distinct quality naturally finds resonance in the work of modern poets, especially when addressing pressing social issues or significant moments in the nation's life—almost as if the voices of the zhyraus echo within them. Contemporary poets do not only turn to historical themes out of nostalgia; they are also inspired by the zhyrau tradition when reflecting on present values, national identity, and the land. In doing so, they speak with the same emotional depth and poetic force that characterized the tolgaus. As such, this tradition has become deeply rooted in Kazakh poetry, continuing to signify profound thought and powerful poetic expression. All poetic forms created by the people are now being reimagined within modern Kazakh poetry, taking on new characteristics. The poetic legacy of the zhyraus, considered the finest example of oral literature, continues to evolve alongside written literature, adapting across generations. Even prominent figures at the dawn of Kazakh written literature, such as Abai and Shakarim, were influenced by the zhyrau tradition. Abai’s poem “Sap sap kóńilim” and Shakarim’s “Eski aqyndyq” are known to be based on the rhythmic and intonational structures of zhyrau poetry. The zhyraus used two main poetic forms. The more widespread one was structured in seven- to eight-line stanzas, while the other followed a free-form style composed of lines of varying lengths, forming an irregular rhythm. The first form is rarely used in modern poetry. When it is used, it typically appears in historical poems aiming to vividly depict life during the Kazakh Khanate period. 136 STUDENTLERDI BIRLESTIRIW: XALÍQARALÍQ IZERTLEWLER HÁM PÁNLER BOYINSHA BIRGE ISLESIW 1-XALÍQARALÍQ STUDENTLER KONFERENCIYASÍ. NÓKIS, 2025-JÍL 20-21-MAY In contemporary Kazakh-Karakalpak lyric poetry, the concept of plot has begun to take on new meanings and forms. In the poetry of our modern poets, emotional reflection and intellectual depth have begun to replace the actions and situations that were characteristic of lyric poetry in the 1960s and 70s. This evolution allows poets to address multiple themes within a single work. The plot in lyrical poetry is shedding its schematic structure and acquiring a more enigmatic, subtle, and symbolic nature. In some works, there is no clear, linear plot that unfolds before the reader’s eyes. Instead, like an artistic image, it appears in different forms and meanings depending on individual perception. Each poet in Kazakh-Karakalpak poetry has developed their own path and unique style in constructing poetic narratives. In the poetry of Karakalpak poet Khamid Aymbetov, the plot is often formed through an interplay of events, thoughts, and feelings. Sometimes, the linearity of the storyline is disrupted, and the narrative takes an unexpected turn, leading to a surp