Magtymguly Pyragy: The Voice of Identity and Nationalism in Turkmen Art
Author: Meryem Hojayeva
Every artist’s journey begins with the question “Who am I?” Some try to answer this question through their individuality, others through their identity… The question is always the same, but the answers differ. When asked through individuality, “Who am I?” finds its answer in personal taste, dreams, and subjectivity; when asked through identity, the question contains “homeland” and is based on the idea of serving this land.
The nationalist artist is born at the intersection of these two answers and exists by integrating their individuality with their identity. They are nourished by their roots and spread hope for the future, illuminating tomorrow with the memory of the past. The word “homeland” is the essence of their existence, and the artist has only one goal: to serve their homeland through their art! Because art is a form of existence for them, and in their search for self, they carry the souls of their ancestors within.
Our great poet Magtymguly Pyragy is one of the greatest poets reflecting Turkmen identity. His works are not merely lines of text; every word smells of homeland, nourished by the past and carrying hope for the future. The nationalism in Magtymguly Pyragy’s poems is a form of existence. What I mean is, Magtymguly Pyragy exists because the homeland exists. In his poems, he narrates the history, culture, and morality of the Turkmen people with deep philosophical knowledge in a simple and sincere way. That’s why he has found a place in the hearts of the people—because he is one of them. The Turkmen people have loved and embraced him; every Turkmen child grows up with Magtymguly Pyragy’s poems, and his wise sayings are used in every household. Magtymguly Pyragy has become deeply embedded in everyday life…
Not only in literature and philosophy, but also in visual arts and music, traces of Magtymguly Pyragy can be found! The rhymes and rhythms in his poems are almost fused with music, and everyone can feel the melodic structure in his verses. How is this felt? It is impossible to read his poems like plain prose—somewhere inside, music whispers. Many readers have succeeded in expressing this music outwardly, and it has become folk songs. A song born from the foothills of the Köpetdag Mountains, from the heart of the Karakum Desert! This is love for homeland, nation, and art—it is a song… Brought to life by the deep sound of the dutar and the sorrowful tone of the gijak; his poems have traveled from village to village, from camp to camp. These melodies, poured from the soul of the people, have merged with his poems, preserving our national identity in music.
Many artists believe that poetry is the most effective way to convey thought to others. A thought that cannot be expressed through pages of prose finds meaning in a single stanza of poetry. Magtymguly Pyragy’s poems are far from heavy artistic language, expressing very deep philosophical ideas with magnificent simplicity. His poems deepen with each reading and never lose their impact. That’s why every member of society, young and old, reads him.
Magtymguly Pyragy is not just a poet; he is the voice, conscience, and guide of a nation. The power in his verses is a strong bridge that protects and carries the identity of the Turkmen people into the future. Even today, if every line still touches hearts and every word transcends centuries, it is because he has kneaded his art with love for the homeland. Magtymguly Pyragy’s legacy is not only a roadmap of the past but also of the future. Because he is an “essence” living in the heart of every Turkmen, and a “voice” reborn in every era.
More article Magtymguly Pyragy’s Contribution to Humanist Thought – https://eureflect.com
