MILITARY VALUES AND THEIR HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE IN THE EPICS OF THE “KOROGLU” CYCLE

Abstract

This article examines the role and significance of Uzbek folk epics in the study of military traditions and values. The research is based on a comparative analysis of samples of oral folk creativity alongside historical sources and scholarly literature. The study also evaluates epics as important historical and ethnographic sources for investigating military administration, weapons and armaments, the art of warfare, military games, medicine, and warfare in general. In particular, the social status of warriors and the specific role of marksmen within the system of military command are analyzed. The importance of warhorses in combat operations is illustrated through examples of the horses belonging to epic heroes. Furthermore, the wide scope of warfare tactics in Turan is examined through various military stratagems, including the tactics of night attacks and the so-called “wolf game.” Based on these examples, the study demonstrates that the military knowledge preserved in folk epics possesses significant historical value.