The Influence of Folk Oral Creation on The Poetry of Matnazar Abdulhakim

Abstract

Oral creativity is a crucial element in the cultural heritage of every nation, serving as a source of national memory and expression. Uzbek folklore, rich with proverbs, legends, and mythological imagery, has significantly influenced written literature, especially poetry. However, the direct and creative influence of folk oral creation on the poetry of modern Uzbek poets like Matnazar Abdulhakim remains underexplored. This article aims to investigate how folklore motifs and traditional images such as the yalmog‘iz (witch) and ajdaho (dragon) have been assimilated and transformed in Abdulhakim’s poetry. Through detailed analysis, the study reveals that Abdulhakim skillfully integrates folklore elements, adapting mythological characters and symbolism such as dragons and gluttons to depict abstract emotions like love, jealousy, and separation, thereby enriching the poetic narrative with deeper cultural resonance. Unlike traditional folklore usage, Abdulhakim innovatively separates and personalizes these mythological images, moving beyond conventional boundaries to create original lyrical expressions. The findings highlight the dynamic relationship between folklore and modern Uzbek literature, offering insights into how contemporary poets can preserve cultural identity while introducing creative originality into their works.