The Image of Sacral Space in Modern Bashkir Prose

Abstract

The relevance of the research study is determined by the necessity of studying modern Bashkir prose. Particularly, the article aims to identify hierotopy as such and focuses on motifs of works authored by writers to have made a notable contribution to the development of Bashkir prose. The paper shows that the hierotopical theory introduced by A. M. Lidov is applicable for the analysis of hitherto unexplored phenomena ― creation of sacred spaces in Bashkir literature.
A detailed study of art spaces in Bashkir literature has allowed to highlight patterns of hierotopy. Once placed in the foreground as a moral dominance, it can change the hero’s destiny. Hierotopy in modern Bashkir literature can be conventionally considered in several perspectives: some authors associate it with the lyrical image of nature, others ― with the garden, and still others ― with the celestial sphere and even some prayerful condition of a hero.
The research discovered that hierotopy in modern prose is associated with open space, expanding through imagination. Landscapes make it possible to visualize peace, happiness and satisfaction with deeds of the hero, after his ‘enlightenment’. And the key tools in this environment are the sky and gardens to mirror objects, such as trees, rivers, birds singing, that constitute a single two-dimensional environment ― the earthly and the heavenly lives. According to the ancient Turks, within the sacred space there is no place for one of the three worlds ― the world of evil.
Sacral space is a realm of to perceive truth and spirituality, establish ties with the Supreme God, where there are no lies, inhumane or immoral actions. Characters with evil thoughts cannot enter into a dialogue with sacred space, as its foundation is holiness. The splendor of nature and intervention of the great power of human thoughts can contribute to spiritual growth, get him worship the moral ideal. The exclusive priority of the sacred space is that people can enter into dialogue with the heavenly world and obtain rest, peace, inspiration.
The analysis of examined works identifies the following fundamental components of sacral space in Bashkir prose:
1) an idea embodied in reality,
2) a special environment to reveal the essential nature of heroes / characters,
3) a meeting place of physical and spiritual powers for a dialogue,
4) a realm to connect the temporal world and eternity.
The article concludes that in Bashkir prose the image of sacral space provides writers with new elements of creativity and inspiration, allows to better display the unique Bashkir national view of the world.