A scientific seminar was held at the Department of Mythology of the Institute of Folklore of ANAS. In addition to the department’s staff, the seminar was attended by employees of the Departments of Folklore and Written Literature and “Dede Gorgud”.

At the seminar Sevinj Gasimova, a senior research fellow at the Department of Mythology and PhD in Philology, made a presentation entitled “The Social and Cosmogonic Functions of Women in the Mythological and Philosophical System of Thought of The Book of Dede Gorgud”.

In the presentation it was mentioned that the characters representing various strata of the social structure of Oghuz society in “The Book of Dede Gorgud”, a remarkable source of the ancient Oghuz epic tradition, with particular emphasis on the position and functions of women in society. It was noted that although women were not depicted as directly participating in the political governance of the Oghuz community, they sometimes played a decisive role in resolving social conflicts.

The study highlighted the mythological and artistic foundations of women’s portrayal as decisive figures in resolving social conflicts. It was noted that this role is linked to the fact that female characters embody a cosmogonic function - that is, a world-creating function – within the Oghuz mythological worldview.

It was noted that the position of Oghuz women within society was protected by sacred law.

The seminar concluded with discussions on the topic and answers to questions from the participants.