Mukhtar Borbugulov's Views on the Origin of the Epic "Manas"

Abstract

This article presents Mukhtar Borbugulov's hypotheses on the origins of the Manas epic. In his research, he attempted to analyze it within the context of the folklore of Turkic-speaking peoples and peoples of the world. In other words, he compared the views of his predecessors and based them on his own scientific conclusions. This is the strength of his research, as he examined the Manas epic within the context of global epic heritage. Although many studies of the origins of the Manas epic examine it from different angles and perspectives, it was noted that Mukhtar Borbugulov also approached this issue from a different perspective, and his research was analyzed. The work compared the evolution of the epic's heroic image from ancient times to the present day. It was also noted that specific examples from the epics were cited, highlighting similarities in details and plot lines. Mukhtar Borbugulov's research can be considered one of the new scientific hypotheses explaining the origins of the Epic of Manas. He made a significant contribution to the understanding of the epic not simply as a historical work, but as a product of ancient worldviews, mythology, and artistic thought.