Turkmen epos included in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage


Category: Culture

Turkmen epos included in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural HeritageTurkmen epos “Gerogly” is included in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity at the session held in Namibia, - reports the state news agency.

Epos “Geroglu” is a chain of stories where deeds of the legendary hero Geroglu and his forty riders are described. Narrators of the epic genre are the keepers of traditions in Turkmenistan. Its performance includes telling, singing, vocal improvisation and music. The epos glorifies such features as courage, honesty, friendship and loyalty. The tradition is transmitted through non-formal education and public performances.

Epos “Geroglu” is a national treasure of Turkmenistan. The hero is depicted on Turkmen mantas; there are also few monuments erected in his honor in Ashgabat. Besides, courageous Geroglu (also Ker-oglu, Kyor-oglu or Koroglu) is known in traditional legends of Armenians, Georgians, Azerbaijanis, Turkish, Uzbeks, Kazakhs and Tajiks.