A STUDY OF THE EPIC POEM “ZHUSUP AND ZLIKHA” IN KAZAKH LITERATURE

This article gives an overview of the materials and details of the study of the epic poem “Zhusup-Zlikha”, which represents an invaluable work for all Turkic-speaking peoples that has not lost its significance to this day. Due to the importance of studying the millennial history of the ancestral heritage, which goes further and further back in time, a comprehensive analysis of this medieval manuscript about the history, culture and beliefs of our people, illustrated with specific textual examples from the epic poem, has been carried out. This beautiful epic poem was a true depiction of the hard fate and hardships experienced by Prophet Zhusup, his true faith in God, selfless love for his country, people, father and relatives. As the authors of the article note, the story “Zhusup-Zlikha”, rich in interesting stories, proclaiming morality and true faith, was widely spread among Turkic peoples and over time became known to Kazakh storytellers as well. The works of ancient poets, who created a heroic biography of the legendary prophet Zhusup in their works, deserve special attention of modern researchers - Turkologists. In the process of solving the set goals and tasks in this research work the methods of collecting the main sources, careful analysis of materials, systematisation, comparison and description were used. The scientific significance of the work lies in a comprehensive and detailed study of the prerequisites for the creation of the epic poem ‘Zhusup-Zlikha’, telling about the life of the Prophet, whose piety and wisdom became the main factor for writing the work.