Epos as a source of study of ethnogenesis and music of Turkic peoples

Abstract

In the article called "Epos as a source of study of ethnogenesis and music of Turkic peoples" the problems of comprehensive study of epos and epic traditions of Turkic people arise. As an artistic creation epos is a system in which poetry and music (vocal-instrumental) are presented in inseparable unity; epos in terms of content presented as history, ideology, world-view and spiritual tradition of peoples. The author on the example of S.Kondybay shows how epos (particularly, Nogai cycle of heroic epos) became one of the most important sources of study of the ethnogenesis of Kazakh people. Considering various national versions of Turkic epos (beginning with "Alpamys" epos), the author considers its comparative-historical study important not only in the sphere of philology, but music as well. In particular, in the article the attention is paid on the throat style of epic performing (Karmakchin style of singing of Kazakhs, epic images of Karakalpaks and Turkmens etc.),which goes back to the throat singing of ancient Turks.