Heritage of Dede Qorqud/Korkyt Ata/Dede Korkut – epic culture, folk tales and music

The heritage of Dede Qorqud is a fundamental pillar of Turkic epic culture, composed of heroic legends, folk tales, and traditional musical compositions. At the centre of these narratives stands the wise elder Dede Qorqud, whose words and music guide the community through significant life events such as birth, marriage, and death. The stories are traditionally accompanied by the kobyz, a musical instrument used to reproduce the sounds of nature, linking the narrative to the environment. This heritage serves as a repository of historical knowledge and ethical values, transmitting concepts of heroism, dialogue, and respect for nature across generations.