Braveman Koroghlu and Translation of Epic as a Factor of Cross-lingual and Cross-cultural Transfers

Abstract

Koroghlu Dastani (The Epic of Koroghlu), common heroic epic of the Turkic peoples, was firstly recorded and then translated into English by Alexander Chodźko in 1834. It became popular in Europe and during short time translated into different languages, such as French, German and Russian. Romantic Koroghlu character inspired writers, such as George Sand and Henry Longfellow. Koroghlu Dastani travelled through the languages and cultures, and following the USA after Europe, Longfellow wrote the poem named The Leap of Roushan Beg based on the motives of Koroghlu Dastani. Two American composers wrote music (ballads) to this poem. Firstly, this poem of Longfellow, then in modern time Koroghlu Dastani itself published by Chodźko in English were translated back into Azerbaijani language. This article put under close scrutiny the Koroghlu Dastani, studying thoroughly how this epic turned to be the source of inspiration in Europe and North America for writers and composers; and triggered translation activities into English, French, Russian, and Azerbaijani languages and further considers its contribution to cultural transfers.