Common Elements of Steppe Culture in the Epic of Oguz Khagan with Uighur Alphabet and Orkhon Inscriptions
Özet
In this study, the following motifs belonging to the common nomadic culture between The Epic of Oguz Khagan with Uighur Alphabet and Orkhon Inscriptions have been compared: Myth of the God Kok, myth of creation myth of alp (heroism), myth of world domination, khan's responsibility for to the people, the people's responsibility to the khan, the title giving ritual, nomadic lifestyle, wolf motif and toy (meeting). The belief in Kok God is common in both texts. Oguz Khagan and Kokturk Khagan both believe that they received their authority from the Kok God. Again in both texts, Gok's power and superiority are at the forefront. In both texts, the sky and the earth are seen as parts of a complementary whole. For the ancient Turks, being alp was one of the most basic characteristics of men. Being able to survive in the steppe requires strength. In both texts, being alp is in the foreground. The idea of world domination was one of the duties of the heads of state. Therefore, in both steppe texts, the happiness of the world is thought to be dependent on being ruled by one person only. The reason behind this is thought to lie on the raids of both Oguz Khagan and Kokturk Khagan. In both texts, Khagan has a sense of responsibility towards the public. The basis of these responsibilities is to ensure the welfare and happiness of the people. Again, the Khagan had a responsibility towards him and the people. The most important of these was the obedience of the people to the Khagan and not to abandon him when the enemy attacks. In the steppe culture, acquiring a title was based on heroic deeds. Both texts have traces of this ritual. The horse is the sine qua non of steppe warrior. The horse serves a vital role in the war for the warriors of the steppe. In both texts, the importance of the horse for the hero is also stated. The wolf is the totem of the Turkish people of the steppe. Especially since a wolf shows the way to Oguz Khagan when he is lost. In Orkhon Inscriptions, the Khagan's army is depicted as a wolf because of its power. In the ancient Turks, the toy (convention) was like the assembly today. Important decisions were made here. In both texts, the khagan used to appeal to the people at toys. According to Ahmet Bican Ercilasun, Orhon Inscriptions, which is the first written speech of Turkish literature, was written in 7th century and the epic of Oguz Khagan with Uighur alphabet is dated to 14-15th centuries. It is not surprising that there are many similarities when comparing the two steppe texts. This is important in terms of showing that the cultural codes in the Orhon Inscriptions were maintained even in the late periodswhen this epic was written. Both texts are primary resources reflecting the Turkish steppe culture. Although there is a long period of time between these two texts, the fact that they contain many similarities is an indication that they are the text of the same culture. The fact that the texts contain many basic elements of the steppe (nomadic) civilization also shows the robustness and vitality of this culture. The Turkish steppe culture was not only limited to Otuken but also preserved its existence in the first Islamic states as well. Despite the differences in religion and region in the early Islamic states, the model state as stated by Tasagil continued to keep the culture of the Kokturk state. Although the Turks have established a settled life, they have carried the steppe culture wherever they move. Both texts are vivid examples of this.
