Authors

Aydan Mamaliyeva¹;  ¹ Baku Slavic University, Azerbaidjan

Discussion

The renowned Polish Orientalist, poet, and translator A. Chodzko made an indelible mark in the history of the publication of the Koroglu epic by translating the manuscript of this epic, which he brought from South Azerbaijan to Europe, into English and publishing it in London (1842). This epic, written or compiled in the early 19th century, reflects the heroic traditions of our people, their historical past, spiritual world, character, beliefs, and moral values through artistic depiction. The rich plotline, with its vivid episodes and motifs, formed the basis and source for subsequent Koroglu publications.

One of the key elements explored in this epic is the role of wine and its consumption, which presents a fascinating point of controversy when analyzed against the backdrop of stereotypes, particularly the belief that wine is forbidden in Muslim society. Through examining the depiction of wine in the Koroglu manuscript, this study will discuss the contradictions between cultural practices and religious norms, shedding light on how wine and its rituals are represented in the epic. This analysis reveals a nuanced understanding of wine consumption in the context of historical Azerbaijani traditions, challenging common assumptions about its role in Muslim culture.