BASHKIR SCHOLAR ABDULKADIR İNAN’S RESEARCH ON THE “MANAS” EPIC IN TÜRKIYE

Abstract

The epic Manas began to be studied in the scholarly world starting from the second half of the 19th century. A subject of great interest to both Russian scholars and European researchers, the epic became known to the global academic community by the beginning of the 20th century. During this period, Abdulkadir Inan, who was of Bashkir origin, also developed an interest in the folklore of the peoples of Central Asia and began to study it. Unable to reach an understanding with the Soviet authorities, Inan first traveled to Iran, then through India to Europe, and from there returned to Turkey in 1925. It was at this time that scientific institutes, organizations, and educational institutions began to be established in the newly founded Republic of Turkey. Abdulkadir Inan actively participated in these processes, researched the folklore of Turkic peoples, and introduced it to Turkish society. He devoted special attention to the Manas epic. Starting from the 1930s, he wrote several articles about Manas based on the materials he had obtained. In 1972, he translated the epic into Turkish prose according to the version of Sagynbai Orozbakov. Inan is considered one of the first scholars in Turkey to write an article and publish a book about the Manas epic. Turkish society became acquainted with Manas largely thanks to Inan.