Literature-History Relationship and Genghis Khan in Kazakh Literature

Abstract

There is a relationship based on mutual interaction between literature and history. As a science, history pursues the truth and is based on documents. Since literature is a branch of art, it is the product of the author's or poet's imagination and presents a fictional world to the reader. There is a boundary between history and literature based on the difference between reality and fiction. No matter how much an author who deals with historical subjects tries to remain faithful to reality, his work is not historical reality but fiction. When examining literary texts, especially those about a historical figure, it is necessary to consider the theory of biography and the relationship between literature and history. Kazakh literature is very rich in historical works. Genghis Khan, one of the most influential figures in world history, attracted the attention of Kazakh poets and writers because he was a ruler who was influential in the geography of Kazakhstan. In this article, after providing theoretical explanations about the relationship of literature with history and biography, we will discuss how the image of Genghis Khan is reflected in the poetry, novel, theater, and story genres in Kazakh literature.