A poem written about Sultan Husain Boykara is a story of Yusuf and Zulaikha

Abstract

This paper focuses on Yusuf and Zulaikha devoted tale, which has been part of our classical literature for centuries, originates from the Qur’an and serves as both a sacred and romantic narrative. This tale, cherished by all Turkic peoples, has been written and told in various dialects and styles over time. The subject of this paper is a version of the Yusuf and Zulaikha’s tale written in the Chagatai dialect, dating back to the 15th century. This poetic work was composed by our poet Hamdi Balkhi and dedicated to Sultan Husayn Mirza Bayqara. Some verses of the tale contain the poet's second name, as well as the time and place of its composition, providing insights into its creation. Additionally, the poet shares information about adapting the tale from a Persian prose text into verse. The paper also examines which specific person the Chagatai Yusuf and Zulaikha’s tale is associated with, comparing three different manuscript versions of the story. Further details are provided about the presentation and dedication of the tale to Sultan Husayn Bayqara