*КИЕЛІ АЛТАЙДЫҢ ТАБИҒАТЫ МЕН ТОПОНИМИКАЛЫҚ АҢЫЗДАРЫНЫҢ КӨРКЕМ ШЫҒАРМАДАҒЫ КӨРІНІСІ

Abstract

The article examines the artistic depiction of the nature of Altai - the picturesque region of Eastern Kazakhstan - and the legends associated with it in literary works. It is noted that in this remarkable natural environment, distinguished by its unique beauty, deep history, and rich cultural heritage, talented individuals and prominent writers have emerged. The study emphasizes that natives of this region - Oralhan Bokey, Kalikhan Iskak, Didakhmet Ashimkhanov, Alibek Askarov, and Askar Altai — have made a significant contribution to the golden fund of Kazakh literature. It is established that these masters of the word, by portraying the peaks of Altai, its majestic nature, and the inherent mystery of the region, advanced the development of the prose genre and elevated it to a high artistic level through their works.

Legends associated with the sacred sites of Eastern Kazakhstan and Altai are widely disseminated among the people; the analysis of their artistic use in writers’ works constitutes the main focus of the article. The author refers to the theoretical definition of the concept of “legend” in folklore studies and its types, drawing on the scholarly concepts of M. Auezov and S. Kaskabasov. The methodological basis of the study adopts S. Kaskabasov’s classification, according to which legends are divided into historical and toponymic.

It is noted that in the works of Oralhan Bokey, which artistically celebrate the beauty of nature, the mytho-legendary element predominates, especially in the novellas Kar Kyzy (“Snow Girl”), Saitan Kopir (“Devil’s Bridge”), and Muztau. The article analyzes the artistic use of the legend of Karakol in the story Zhylmyk, as well as the legend of Mametek Bi in the novella Muztau.

In the novel Karaorman, the prose master Kalikhan Iskak explores the character of the protagonist Sigat and the legend prevalent among rural residents regarding the search for paradise.

Legends related to the origins of the names of sacred sites in Eastern Kazakhstan, including the widely known folk legend of Markakol, are analyzed based on Al. Altai’s novel Bylgary Tabyt. The study demonstrates that the folk narrative explaining the origin of the name Markakol receives an ideological and artistic interpretation in the writer’s work. Similarly, the article examines the use of the legend associated with the name Kyzbeit in the eponymous story Kyzbeit.