Makhtum Quli Faraghi: A Symbol of Turkmen Unity

Abstract

Makhtum Quli Faraghi (1733-1807) is a Turkmen philosophical poet, Sufi scholar, spiritual leader. Turkmen poetry reached its high point with Makhtum Quli Faraghi. Faraghi is called the father of Turkmen literature. He is first poet to consider all Turkmen as one nation. His followers continued his tradition in Turkmen literature that was to praise beauty, truth, justice and goodness. His legacy was struggle for independence, unity, peace, justice, modesty, brotherhood and equality for all. He was not only a symbol of Turkmen unity but also a common voice of Turkish and Islamic world. Integrity and unity of Turkmen nation and the idea of Turkmen way being sacred was promoted by him. He praised and glorified Turkmen culture. He has criticized the negative role of Mullah and Khan in Turkmen society. This article analysed themes of Faraghi’s poetry in the light of the theory of New Historicism and discovered answer to the question that why Faraghi is considered a symbol of Turkmen unity.