Edigey Destanında Vatan Teması (Tatar ve Başkurt Varyantlarına Göre)
The Theme of Homeland in the Epic of Edigey (According to the Bashkir and Tatar Variants)

Summary/Abstract: In the Epic of Edigey, events take place in Desht-i Kipchak. Desht-i Kipchak is one of many places where Turkic peoples had migrated to the millennia Before Christ. By the 13th century AD, the Mongols invaded the region and had established the Golden Horde State, at the same time conquering local Kipchak and Bulgarian tribes. Therefore, Turkic peoples – made up part of the population during the Golden Horde period – were naturally made mention of in the Epic of Edigey. The Epic of Edigey tells accounts events that take place between Amir Edigey, Toktamish Khan, and Amir Timur (all of whom are real historical figures). Edigey – the epic’s protagonist– took refuge with Amir Timur upon learning that Toktamish Khan was plotting to murder him. With Amir Timur’s help, Edigey saves his homeland and vows to take revenge on Toktamish Khan. The Tatar and Bashkır versions of the Epic of Edigey epic focus on Edigey's struggle to stay alive and to defend his nation. The hero, Edigey, vowed to spend his life fighting for the Urals and Idil. Edigey's love of his homeland and his sense of heroism were not forgotten by Turkic peoples. Moreover, Edigey's son (and other followers) carried his father’s efforts to protect Ural (Yayık) and Volga against their enemies long after he died. He also preserved his ideals as well. In the “Chief Constable” version, Edigey's last words to his son (upon being killed in one of his battles with his enemies) were to defend the homeland. The epic portrays Edigey's death as the country becoming dark, orphaned, and entering uncertain times.

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