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Reflection of the theme of the Great Patriotic War in Bashkir musical folklore

https://doi.org/10.25587/2782-4861-2025-3-64-85

Abstract

This article is devoted to the analysis of the reflection of the events of the Great Patriotic War (WWII) in Bashkir musical folklore. The main attention is paid to the three most popular genres: baits (epic and lyric-epic genre of Bashkir poetry), songs (yirҙar) and ditties (takmaki). The relevance of the research is due to the need to deeply comprehend the spiritual and emotional world of a person during a critical period, insufficient knowledge of the role of this folklore in mobilizing and psychologically supporting society, as well as the need to preserve a unique cultural heritage. The purpose of the article is to identify the distinctive artistic, semantic and functional characteristics of Bashkir folklore of wartime, as well as to demonstrate its role as a keeper of historical memory. The scientific novelty lies in a comprehensive (thematic, genre, poetic, functional) analysis of military subjects, which for the first time reveals the specifics of reflecting universal motifs through the prism of the Bashkir worldview, reveals the humanistic meanings and the poetic and semantic depth of texts. To achieve this goal and objectives, a study was conducted that included an analysis of the reflection of the Great Patriotic War in these genres; identification of the dual function of folklore (artistic response and historical and cultural source), taking into account Bashkir specifics; disclosure of the transformation of universal themes (hopes, sorrows, pride) by Bashkir worldview; research of folklore image, poetics and semantic concepts of military folklore the definition of its role in maintaining morale, rallying Bashkir society and forming historical memory during the war years. The comprehensive analysis of the figurative system, poetic features and semantic concepts demonstrates the multifaceted nature of this cultural phenomenon, making the study significant for understanding cultural memory and the psychology of wartime. Based on the analysis of published, archival and field materials (using textual and comparative methods), the study showed that in the musical genres of this period, the motif of love and devotion to the Motherland, as well as a deep belief in victory over a common enemy, runs through the red thread. These works served as a powerful means of psychological support and social cohesion. The results of the work deepen the understanding of Bashkir military folklore, have practical significance for pedagogical activities, historical and cultural research, patriotic education and stimulate further scientific research.

About the Author

A. M. Khakimianova
The Order of the Badge of Honor of the Institute of History, Language and Literature of the Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation

Aigul M. Khakimianova, Cand. Sci. (Philology), Senior Researcher at the Department of Folklore Studies of the Order of the Badge of Honor of the Institute of History, Language and Literature of the Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Ufa



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Review

For citations:


Khakimianova A.M. Reflection of the theme of the Great Patriotic War in Bashkir musical folklore. Epic Studies. 2025;(3):64-85. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.25587/2782-4861-2025-3-64-85

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