O‘ZBEK EPOSSHUNOSLIGINING SHAKLLANISH BOSQICHLARI

Abstract

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the stages of formation and development of Uzbek epic studies as an independent scientific discipline. It examines the theoretical views on epic studies of the representatives of the Jadid movement of the early 20th century, particularly Abdurauf Fitrat and Vadud Mahmud. The article substantiates that Fitrat's division of literature into "written" and "folk literature" (el adabiyoti), as well as his introduction of the criterion of "eloquence" (fasihlik) of epics into scientific discourse, created a conceptual foundation for this field. Furthermore, the practical significance of the first folklore expeditions conducted in the 1920s and 1930s under the leadership of Gozi Olim Yunusov and Hodi Zarifov is highlighted. It is shown that these expeditions served to preserve the epic heritage of the people by introducing a methodology for directly recording the performances of bakhshis without alterations.