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Turkmen Epic Singing: Köroğlu

Various Artists
Turkmen Epic Singing: Köroğlu The history of Turkmen music is closely linked with the narration of heroic epics. The ritual recitation of these epics is known as dastan and was the main means of transmission of Turkmen cultural heritage for several centuries, conveying behavioral patterns, elements of daily life, and shamanic and religious customs and beliefs. Those who perform the dastan are known as bakhshi. The main character in the Köroğlu epic is a legendary hero—evolving over time—who defends his clan or tribe against all dangers. The Turkmen version of the Köroğlu tale consists of 13 chapters, or shahas. According to the liner notes, no bakhshi has known the entire text of the Köroğlu epic, and the performance of the final shaha (Köroğlu’s death) has always been strictly banned. Most of the songs included on this disc are performed by “collectors,” the bakhshi-tirmechi, who do not recite the dastan but sing pieces from different dastan and classical Turkmen poems. The liner notes list the order of the performance and performers.

Track Listing

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101
Kheiran eiledi (She overwhelmed me with the fire of love) Tädzhilbai Gurbanov, Edibai Chashemov 03:42
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102
Ovazy geldi (The voice is heard) Akmämmet Rakhamanov, Yazmyrat Kallyev 04:19
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103
Airylymadymy? (Haven't they split up?) Akmämmet Redzhebov, Ashyr Berdiev, Khangeldi Bairamov 04:47
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104
Ovezdzhan Dövranov Khudaiberdi, Övezmyrat Ödaev 04:43
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105
Gümmür-gümmürlendi (Mountains are trembling) Pirdzhan Moshchyev, Mätzhan Annagulyev 04:46
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106
Getirgin (Bring them here) Musaguly Yazmyradov, Övezmyrat Ödaev 03:20
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107
Chapar arlaya-arlaya (A horse leaping, neighing) Yagshygeldi Garashov, Otuz Mätgeldyev 04:05
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108
Soltanym (Your majesty) Arazdurdy Pirnazarov, Ayitmät Pirnazarov 04:52
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109
Mama seni (To you, grandmother) Akmämmet Rakhmanov, Yazmyrat Khallyev 03:19
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110
Bar-da, mama dzhan, khabaryng ber (Go grandmother, fetch the word to them) Dövletgeldi Annadurdyev, Gurbandurdy Annadurdyev, Gylychdurdy Annadurdyev 03:14
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111
Uchup geldim (I came back on wings) Gylychdurdy Annadurdyev, Gurbandurdy Annadurdyev 04:04
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112
Bezirgen Ayismämmet Geldimämmedov, Gurbandurdy Annadurdyev 04:24
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113
Agam seni (To you, brother) Muhammet Redzhebov, Tuvakmuhammet Redzhebov 06:16
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114
Geldingmi? (Are you back again?) Khayitly Mämmetdurdyev, Allanazar Khudaynazarov, Seyitly Bairamov 04:52