Based on the literary and scientific contributions of our Hero Arkadag and Esteemed President, who are aptly continuing the path of our forefathers, the science of Magtymguly studies has developed. Scientific works have been written regarding the great poet’s biography, creativity, poetic personality, his place in Turkmen literature, the educational significance of his works, and his social-political views and achievements in this area. Magtymguly’s works and the popular stories about him have been translated into various languages. Thus, the scope of Magtymguly studies has expanded, and Magtymguly’s name and his works have spread worldwide. His philosophical thoughts on spiritual perfection, physical health, patriotism, bravery, pure morality, and independence have been recognized as universal values created by humanity.
Magtymguly’s orally transmitted poetry is distinguished by its depth and richness of meaning. Addressing recognized figures in the creative, scientific, cultural, and historical spheres of world peoples, and serving poetic thought expressed in ancient sources, is a common literary method. Drawing on the achievements of Eastern poetic art, the poet uses these recognized and artistically expressed valuable pieces of information about such figures and poetic personalities over centuries as sources. Figures like Lukman, Dawut Iskander, and Bukrat are metaphorical literary heroes who have spread into the literature and folk creativity of world peoples.
“Magrupdan Maşryga, dünýäniň ýüzi,
Diýmäň bize mälim däldir bu dünýä”
- In Magtymguly’s works, the names of these figures, particularly that of Lukman, frequently appear.
Dünýäniň tebibi Lukman şypa ber.
Günde gelip Isa, Lukman,
Tapmaz derde derman pyrak.
Derdimge bir çäre tapmaý,
Gelip Lukman ýyglaýyr.
Lukman kibi dertler dermanyn kylsaň.
Eý ýaranlar, eşitse Lukman derdimiň bu halyny.
Lukman çäre tapsyn gelen dertlere.
Ýüz ýyl okap paýanyna,
Ne Zal-u, ne Lukman çykar.
Uly iller nähoş boldy,
Hak, uzatgyl ol Lukmany. (A. Meredow. Magtymgulynyň düşündirişli sözlügi. 11 bölüm. Gonwed Kabus. 1997, Sah.473).
Lukman the Physician has become a prominent figure in both Eastern and Western folk literature. He gained fame in folk literature and poetry, eventually transforming from his historical roots into a mythical, romantic, and practical hero. His persona, character, and age have been depicted in various ways by different people. He has been portrayed as a slave, a poet, a shepherd, a carpenter, a doctor, a master of wise sayings, a vizier, a devout believer, and a prophet. His lifespan extended far beyond that of an ordinary person, reaching approximately four thousand four hundred years.
Lukman’s fame was initially spread by the scholar Bukrat (Hippocrates). As noted by A. Baymyradov, when Arabs translated Hippocrates’ works into Arabic, they used the name Lukman for Bukrat. Thus, the character of the wise preacher Lukman was merged with the figure of a physician.
The immense fame of Ibn Sina (Avicenna) in global science profoundly altered the trajectory of Lukman’s legacy. Ibn Sina gave a new dimension to Lukman, who was fading from public memory, reviving him in folk literature with renewed and meaningful content. Thus, works about Lukman as a slave were harmonized with those of Bukrat, and Lukman’s legacy continued to live on in written literary and religious sources. In Magtymguly’s works, Lukman is related to both Bukrat and Ibn Sina. The poet was also familiar with Ibn Sina’s works and incorporated folk elements related to him.
It is not entirely accurate to accept all this information as fact; much of it is based on sources that provide specific details. These details are supported by ancient folklore and religious sources that mention Lukman. This suggests that the epic hero Lukman has been a subject of interest for over thirty-one centuries, and the available information about him is notable and credible.
In Turkmen culture, Lukman the Physician is considered a medical figure, while the great wordsmith Magtymguly Pyragy refers to him as the “physician of the world.” In the collective memory, Lukman is held in such high regard.
Magtymguly Pyragy’s works feature a range of historical figures, from ancient mythical heroes to hundreds of heroes from various centuries and professions. One such figure is Prophet David. As known from history, David (David in the West) was born at the end of the 2nd century BC and died around the 950s. He was a historical figure who established the Kingdom of Israel-Judah. Initially, he served as a warrior and married the daughter of King Saul. After being accused of betrayal, he fled to the desert of Palestine and served the Philistines. After Saul’s death, David became the king of the Judeans, capturing Jerusalem and making it his capital. He expanded his territory by conquering neighboring lands, creating a centralized Kingdom of Israel-Judah. Around 973 BC, he conducted a census of his kingdom, imposed taxes, and established measures to protect his people.
In European folklore, David is recognized as a heroic figure who defeated the giant Goliath. In Eastern folklore, including Turkmen folklore, David is revered as a legendary figure akin to a guardian of iron. Over time, David has evolved from a warrior into a beloved hero in folk literature, characterized by virtues and righteous deeds.
Stories, legends, and myths about David are abundant. Due to the influence of a long period of time, these narratives have transformed into artistic forms. Investigating the historical accuracy of these folk traditions and differentiating between factual and artistic elements are important. We focus on one such folk piece regarding David and Lukman.
In Turkmen tales, there is a famous narrative in the “Kyssasy Enbiya” by Rabguzy that depicts the king’s night-time observations. David is depicted as a king who, after his glory, would secretly walk the streets at night and inquire if people thought he was just. One night, someone replied that the king was just, but he was taking away the people’s rights. After this event, David was deeply affected and took to learning a trade. He became a blacksmith, and iron in his hands was said to be as malleable as wax.
The works of Magtymguly Pyragy are an inexhaustible source of spiritual enrichment. The great wordsmith has created a treasure trove of exquisite meanings in the Turkmen language. During the Revival of the new era of the Powerful state, the poet’s invaluable treasure continues to illuminate the human heart with an enduring light.
References
- Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow. Abadançylygyň röwşen gadamlary. A., TDNG, 2022.
- Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow. Ömrümiň manysy. A., TDNG.2022.
- Garryýew B.A. “Magtymgulynyň eserleriniň dili” doktorlyk dissertasiýasy Aşgabat-Moskwa, 1948.
- Garryýew B., Kösäýew M., Haldurdyýew D. Türkmen poeziýasynyň antologiýasy. Aşgabat-Moskwa, 1949.
- Magtymguly (şygyrlar) türkmen dilinde. I jilt. Aşgabat, Ylym. 2013.
- Magtymguly (şygyrlar) türkmen dilinde. II jilt. Aşgabat, Ylym. 2013.