The idea of will in the Epic of Manas and Oguz Kağan

The epics, one of the most significant elements of Turkish cultural life, continue to represent both oral and written culture through the discovery of new versions and their ongoing existence. This study aims to highlight the importance of the cultural heritage reflected in epics, which have borne witness to the development of cultural and national identities throughout history and convey mythical, social, and religious mentalities. The study focuses on expressions such as wills, advice, and counsel found in epics, which play a pivotal role in the transmission and preservation of culture. These expressions are examined with particular attention to the epic hero, the wise and elderly advisors assisting the hero, the warriors and soldiers under the hero's command, respected female figures within society, and the wives of the main heroes. The findings are interpreted within the context of the epics and transmitted within their cultural context. Wills may come into effect upon the death of the testator or may be realized during their lifetime at their request. The wills found in epic texts are oral or written legacies that are passed down from generation to generation, shedding light on the spiritual life of nations without being subject to any formal regulations. Among the wills of the Turks, who have established many states, are those of Bilge Kağan, Genghis Khan, Oghuz Khan, Manas, Dede Korkut, who are the bearers of Turkish culture's written and oral memory. These wills, which are not subject to any statute of limitations, have obligated their recipients to fulfill them for centuries. The wills left by epic heroes centuries ago are expected to be fulfilled even today. Wills can be regarded as both societal and individual legacies. In terms of respect for the deceased's soul, preserving their name, and regulating relationships, these wills are regarded as oaths and are fulfilled accordingly. The essence of a will is the effort to organize life after one's death. For the Turkic communities, who live yesterday, today, and tomorrow together, disregarding these wills means the loss of a society that learns from the past and guides the future. At this point, the wills and the widespread expressions that carry the weight of a will are the sensitive points and milestones of these societies. Today, the wills of Oghuz Khan and Manas, who still hold sway over the world and uphold the state's continuity, are memorized by taking lessons from the experiences and words of epic heroes. By analyzing the epics, it has been determined that their expressions reflect cultural, social, and spiritual traces, and the intention to convey messages to future generations is often formalized as wills, either prepared beforehand or expressed on deathbeds. It is concluded that the primary objective is to leave a will, whether oral or written, and the belief in the recipients' adherence to ancestral traditions to fulfill these responsibilities is highlighted in the epic texts.