Epic of Koroghlu

Lore & Background

Koroghlu is a semi-mystical hero and bard among the Turkic people thought to have lived in the 16th century. His name means 'the son of the blind', 'the son of ember', or 'the son of the clay' in Turkic languages. His real name was Rövşən in Azerbaijani, Ruşen Ali in Turkish, or Röwşen Aly in Turkmen, a loanword from Persian meaning 'light' or 'bright'. The epic spread widely due to the migration of Oghuz Turks in the Middle Ages within Central Asia, South Caucasus, and Asia Minor, leading to versions in Turkmen, Kazakh, Uzbek, Tajik, Azerbaijani, Turkish, Crimean Tatar, Georgian, Kurdish, and Armenian.

Reader's Guide

The Epic of Koroghlu holds a special place among Turkic epics, particularly in Turkmenistan where it is called Görogly and is performed by dessanchy bagshy. The epic serves a wide range of social functions within Turkmen communities, forming a basis for social interactions and transmitting common history and social values to younger generations. It is used as a tool for educating the young and strengthening national identity, pride, and unity. The epic is safeguarded through gatherings, wedding ceremonies, competitions, holidays, and international festivals. In the Azerbaijani and Turkish traditions, a common theme is the hero defending his clan or tribe against threats from outside, often earning his name from the wrongful blinding of his father. The story has been told for many generations by bagshy narrators and fighter Ashik bards, and was mostly written down in the 18th century.

Did You Know?

• The name Koroghlu means 'the son of the blind', 'the son of ember', or 'the son of the clay' in Turkic languages.
• The epic was often put to music and played at sporting events as an inspiration to competing athletes.
• In Turkmenistan, the epic is called Görogly, which translates as 'the son of a grave'.
• The epic has versions in at least ten languages, including Georgian, Kurdish, and Armenian.