On hot days of summer, Ashgabat residents spend their evenings in numerous parks of the capital. The green Ylham alley with its numerous fountains and majestic sculptures is especially popular among local residents. At the entrance to the alley, there is a monument to Garajaoglan, one of the brightest folk poet-singers, whose life and creative work testify to the unanimity of the historical and cultural roots of the Turkmen, Azerbaijani and Turkish peoples.
The exact dates of Garajaoglan's birth and death are unknown, but the most common version is depicted on the high pedestal of the Ashgabat monument as 1606 – 1689. There are also the words of the poet «türkmendir aslymyz» on the monument, indicating his origin. Garajaoglan is not the real name of the poet-singer, but a pseudonym. His real name, according to various sources, is Simayil, Ismail, Halil or Hasan.
Over 500 poetic works of the poet-lyricist, which were recorded only in the XIX century, have been preserved to our days. They were performed by the author, accompanied by a musical instrument – like it is presented at the sculptural figure of Garajaoglan. His poems glorified love, the beauty of nature, criticized social injustice and social vices. Many poems are dedicated to beautiful Garagyz, with whom, according to legend, the poet was in love.
Garajaoghlan is considered to be a national poet-singer in Azerbaijan, where special studies have been devoted to the influence of his work on the Turkic culture, as well as in Turkey, where the 400th anniversary of the poet was widely celebrated in 2006. In one of the most ancient cities of Turkey, Tarsus hosts the annual International Festival «Shiir Akshamlari» («Poetic Evenings»), dedicated to the memory of Garajaoglan. This poetry festival takes place in an open area near the beautiful Shaalale waterfall, where poets and ashugs from many countries of the world, including Central Asia, demonstrate their high art to the public. Therefore, this poetry festival is also called «At the Waterfall».
It is interesting that in front of the monument to Garajaoglan in a cozy green corner of Ashgabat there is an open area, and behind the majestic monument there is a picturesque waterfall, inscribing "mountain motives" in the urban landscape of the big city.
Ogulgozel Rejepova
Photo by Kakageldy Atalov
