Legend has it that in his youth,
Korkut had a terrifying dream in which angels were digging graves for him
across the earth. This sudden awareness of his own mortality drove him on an
endless journey to the four corners of the world to escape the clutches of
death. However, at every destination, he encountered gravediggers preparing his
final resting place. This part of the epic, recognized today by UNESCO
researchers as a symbol of the human struggle to understand the essence of
life, reflects the truth that the physical earth offers no sanctuary for the
mortal body, and immortality must be sought in another realm.
After years of wandering, Korkut
returned to his birthplace on the banks of the roaring Syr Darya River. Instead
of fleeing death, he sought to immortalize the soul. In his seclusion, he
crafted the "Kobyz" from walnut wood and camel hide، an
instrument that UNESCO identifies as a medium for transmitting moral values and
ancient knowledge. The structure of this instrument, with its hollow body,
animal skin, and innovative strings, is a reflection of the entire universe in
the hands of a bard who sought to bring the voice of eternity to the world.
The pinnacle of this magnificent
epic occurred when Korkut Ata spread his carpet over the turbulent waves of the
Syr Darya and stopped time with the melody of his Kobyz. It is said that as
long as his bow glided over the strings, the Angel of Death could not approach
him, the river ceased its flow, and nature fell into a miraculous silence. This
narrative, one of the most beautiful motifs in the UNESCO nomination file,
demonstrates the power of art in overcoming mortality; a moment where Korkut
brought peace and tranquility not only to humans but to all creatures of
nature. Though his physical fate was eventually sealed by a snake bite during a
moment of sleep, he achieved his ultimate goal, merging into the strings of the
Kobyz and the eternal melodies of "Kuy" to conquer death forever.
Today, a monumental memorial stands
in the Kyzylorda region of southern Kazakhstan, dedicated to the persona of
Korkut Ata. Its unique architecture transforms the desert breeze into the
sounds of the Kobyz, proving that this heritage, as emphasized by UNESCO,
remains dynamic and alive.
The
literary and cultural importance of this ontological epic lies in its role as
an encyclopedia of identity and ethics for the peoples of Central Asia. This
transnational heritage, registered globally with the participation of
Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, is not limited to a specific geography; it
serves as a cultural bridge within the ECO region, reflecting shared values
such as peace, eternal wisdom, and the deep bond between humanity and art.
Korkut Ata is not only the backbone of Kazakhstan’s national culture but also a
spiritual link among the nations of the region, showing how art can transcend
mortality and preserve ancient authenticities in the heart of the modern world.