The perception of women in the Epic of Manas

Epics are very important in understanding a society due to the transference of the traditions and customs that they contain for centuries. The most important element in the formation of epics that were written down after a long verbal transmission period is the occurrence of an event that will be the subject of that epic. Turks are a rich nation in terms of epic because of the high civilization and culture they created. Turkish epics are generally classified as pre-Islamic epics and Islamic epics. Kyrgyz Turks made great contributions to Turkish culture with the Manas Epic. Since the Kyrgyz constitute one of the oldest Turkish tribes, they have enabled us to learn about Turkish political, social and cultural life. It appears that Turkish women were very active and influential in social and political life in the pre-Islamic period. Therefore, it is understood that women had a say in the family administration and the state administration in this period. Although this situation underwent some changes in terms of culture under the influence of Islam, it continued. The most explanatory example of this situation is the Kyrgyz Turks. When the Manas Epic is examined, the importance given to women by the Kyrgyz becomes clear. In the Manas Epic, women are not limited to just giving birth to children and taking care of them. It is seen that they take part in all areas of social life. It has been determined that, outside of social life, women ride horses and use arrows, fight to protect their homeland when necessary, and have the skills to use weapons required for this. It is understood from the female types in the Manas Epic that the value given to women in Turkish culture is also present in the Kyrgyz Turks.