Love in the Philosophy of Abay Kunanbayev and Yunus Emre

Abstract

Abay Kunanbayev, considered the founder of Kazakh written literature that began to emerge in the 19th century, is one of the most significant representatives of modern Kazakh literature. With the education he received and the sources that nourished him, Abay introduced new and modern philosophical views that inspired many poets after him. Especially his Words of Edification (Kara Sozder) and poems brought innovation to Kazakh literature. At the center of Abay’s philosophy stands the human being. While describing human characteristics, he also urges people to reflect on concepts such as ignorance, kindness, friendship, love, honesty, generosity, and traditions. Criticizing the shortcomings, ignorance, and laziness within Kazakh society, Abay often employed a sharp tone in his Words of Edification. Although his criticism targeted the Kazakh people in particular, in reality, it extended to the entire Muslim community and humanity at large.

Similarly, Yunus Emre was the powerful voice of his time and a symbol of a message that transcends centuries. A Turkmen dervish who lived in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, Yunus Emre is one of the most prominent poets of Turkish literature. He has long been remembered as the poet of love. His poetry often emphasizes love and affection. He encouraged people to love all beings because of their Creator. He stressed that without love for fellow human beings, even worship would be meaningless. Declaring “I came to build hearts,” Yunus Emre gave Turkish language a new identity as a language of love and meaning.

The core philosophy of his poetry, like Abay’s, is centered on the human being and love as its most essential value. The thought of Yunus Emre - “I love the Creator because of the creation” – parallels Abay’s idea that “humans will be held accountable in the afterlife for justice and love in their creation.” Although their approaches differ and they lived in different geographies, the most prominent common concept in their philosophical views is love. United around the idea of human love, their perspectives on both earthly and divine love have guided countless people across centuries.

This paper will present and compare Abay and Yunus Emre’s views on love.