Природа як складова національної ідентичності у літературній творчості Алая

This paper explores nature's role in forming national identity in Alai’s literary works through the lens of eco-centrism and the ethics of care. Alai’s narratives present nature not merely as a backdrop but as an active agent in shaping cultural identity, collective memory, and indigenous knowledge. His works challenge anthropocentric and colonial perspectives by emphasizing the deep interconnection between people and their environment. Through detailed depictions of landscapes, flora, and fauna, Alai portrays nature as a repository of historical continuity and national consciousness, resisting the forces of modernization and environmental exploitation imposed by colonial and postcolonial ideologies. The study critically examines how Alai integrates traditional ecological wisdom into his storytelling, using natural imagery to dismantle binary oppositions such as civilization versus wilderness or human versus non-human. Furthermore, the research highlights the ethical dimension of Alai’s portrayal of nature, drawing connections to feminist ecological thought and postcolonial theory. By rejecting hierarchical power structures and advocating for a model of coexistence, Alai’s works offer an alternative vision of national identity—one rooted in harmony, sustainability, and respect for the natural world. This perspective challenges dominant discourses of development and highlights the role of literature in reimagining more inclusive and ecologically conscious identities.