The regular academic seminar was held at the Department of “Dede Korkut” the Institute of Folklore of ANAS. Alongside the department staff, the specialists from the Department of Mythology also participated in the seminar.

At the academic seminar the presentations were delivered by leading researcher of the Department “Dede Gorgud” Doctor of Philosophy in Philology and Associate Professor Khuraman Karimova on the topic “Women’s Concealment Tactics in the epic “The Book of Dede Gorgud” and by researcher Gulkhara Ahmadova on the theme “Child Rearing in the epic “The Book of Dede Gorgud”.

Khuraman Karimova mentioned that the Book of Dede Gorgud was an important epic monument reflecting the historical memory, ethical value system and social relations of the Oghuz Turks. She noted that the female characters in the epic were not portrayed merely as domestic figures, but also as pillars of society, wise advisers, warriors and guardians of moral values. According to the speaker, the main goal of Oghuz women was to protect both the family and the homeland.

The researcher pointed out that scenes of concealment and hidden identity in the epic were not presented merely for dramatic effect, but carry psychological and symbolic meanings. In her view, the characters of Burla Khatun and Banu Chichek demonstrate that women possess both delicate and unshakable qualities. In conclusion, Khuraman Karimova noted that the concealment of women’s identities in the Book of Dede Gorgud should be regarded as an example of moral nobility, wisdom and heroism.

The department researcher Gulkhara Ahmadova presented her report. She also described the Book of Dede Gorgud as a magnificent literary monument preserving the spiritual memory, family values and moral system of Turkic peoples. She noted that in the epic, the family was presented not only as a social institution, but also as the principal foundation of the state and society. Child rearing in the epic was considered one of the main means of transmitting national and moral values to future generations.

The speaker further noted that the proverbs and wise expressions included in the “Introduction” section serve to shape the younger generation in a national spirit.

The researcher also noted that brotherly relations were presented in the epic as an important moral value.

Professor Ramazan Gafarlı gave a detailed commentary on both reports and shared his views.

Later, leading researcher of the Department of Mythology, Associate Professor Matanat Yagubqizi, leading researcher of the same department Sevinj Gasimova, Associate Professor Aynura Safarova and Associate Professor Khalida Mammadova also spoke on the topic and expressed their opinions.

During the academic seminar the various exchanges of views were held regarding the presented reports and both authors were wished success in their future researches.