The Musical Narration of Jiraw History

Abstrak

Jıraw tradition is one of the oldest forms of oral cultural heritage of the Karakalpak people, holding an important position in the development of literature, music, and national cultural identity. This art form emerged during the early period of nomadic society and functioned as a medium for preserving history, moral values, legends, and heroic epics. This study aims to analyze the origins, development, characteristics, and socio-cultural role of jıraw art in Karakalpak society. The research employs a descriptive qualitative method with a library research approach through the analysis of scientific sources, manuscripts, and relevant literature related to the history of jıraw, qobız, and the figure of Qorqıt ata. The findings indicate that jıraw performers function not only as reciters of oral literary works but also as creators, guardians of collective memory, and transmitters of cultural values. The qobız, as the main instrument in the jıraw tradition, possesses symbolic value closely connected to the spiritual and cultural history of Turkic peoples. In the context of modernization, the jıraw tradition faces challenges in preservation; therefore, support from society and cultural policies is essential to maintain its sustainability as a symbol of Karakalpak national identity.