The Epic Yusuf-Zulaikha in Uighur Folk-Literature and the Evolution of It in the Context of Qur’an Narratives

Abstract

Folk epics are a mirror reflecting the bittersweet experiences of nations in their individual and social existence. These are also the most effective depictions of nations' aspirations for the future. It is a wellknown fact that epics have a past as old as human history in this respect. In addition, the diversity of their subjects, the fluency of their wording and the functionality of the messages they carry are the factors that facilitate the spread of such works to every class of society. In this context, Turkish tribes hold a rich heritage. In this study, has been studied the epic YusufZulaikha, which has an important place among Uighur Turks as well as other Muslim peoples. The story of Yusuf is the common value of all Abrahamic religions. Therefore, in every society that has holy book-based believes, it is possible to come across the story of Yusuf. It is seen that a broad acquis has been formed on this issue in the Uighur society, which has been a part of the Muslim community since the early periods of Islam. In fact, it does not go unnoticed that this story becomes an epic that concerns folk-literature rather than being a religious issue. Starting from this point, first of all, information about the literature formed on the story of Yusuf in Uighur folk-literature will be included. In this study, as an example, a copy compiled by Ershidin Tatlıq and included at the collection of literary works about Uighur folk-literature will be analysed. Because there are many variants of the work within the same nation. In the next step, brief information will be given about the characteristics of the Qur'an narratives due to its importance. In the last part of the study, the verses thought to be related to the preferred copy will be analysed comparatively for the purposes of the Quran narratives. In doing so, basic sources of tafsir bi-al-ma'thur will be consulted.