ALISHER NAVOIY “TARIXI ANBIYO VA HUKAMO” ASARINING SIYARNOMA TURKUMIDA TUTGAN О‘RNI

Abstract

This article scientifically substantiates the necessity of adopting the term siyarnoma in Eastern literary studies, rather than hagiography, which is commonly used in Western scholarship, for works dedicated to the lives and contributions of prophets, saints, and other eminent historical figures. The term siyar is derived from the Arabic siyrat, meaning “path,” “tradition,” “life’s journey,” “biography,” or “order.” The study establishes that literary compositions depicting the lives of prophets and saints in classical Oriental literature can be appropriately classified as siyarnoma.
Furthermore, it is demonstrated that Alisher Navoi’s The History of Prophets and Sages serves as an exemplary siyarnoma. The article also explores the scholarly hypothesis that this work may constitute a section of Navoi’s principal historical treatise, Zubdat ut-Tavorih (“The Cream of Stories”), thereby enriching existing academic perspectives on Navoi’s historiographical contributions.
The study reveals that Navoi categorizes prophets into two distinct groups: messengers and prophets, presenting their biographies in a dynastic sequence. The first section of the work chronicles the lives of more than fifty-three prophets and their descendants, beginning with Adam, while the second section is dedicated to renowned sages.
Additionally, the article identifies three key features distinguishing The History of Prophets and Sages from other siyarnomas. First, it comprehensively traces the lineage of prophets from Adam (PBUH) to Jirjis (PBUH). Second, instead of providing extensive narratives, it selectively highlights the most significant and defining aspects of their lives. Third, it notably omits events from the era of Muhammad (PBUH). This study, therefore, offers a refined understanding of the siyarnoma genre and its application in the context of Navoi’s literary and historical legacy.