The Role of Khorezm Bakhshis in The Development of Uzbek Epic Poetry

This article explores the historical and cultural significance of Khorezm bakhshis in shaping the epic tradition within Uzbek folklore. It traces the origins of bakhshi performance to ancient Khorezm, one of the cradles of early civilization, and examines the intertwining of spiritual, artistic, and oral traditions. Particular attention is paid to the figure of Oshiq Oydin Pir, considered the spiritual guide of bakhshis, whose influence permeates multiple epics such as Oshiq Najab, Xirmondali, and Oshiq Alband. Through a multidisciplinary approach—combining historical analysis, literary textual study, and ethnographic accounts—the research identifies how the oral poetic tradition of bakhshis, rooted in Zoroastrian rituals and later Sufi ideologies, contributed to the persistence and transformation of epic poetry in Central Asia. The study also examines the spiritual genealogy connecting Khorezm bakhshis to influential figures in Islamic mysticism and outlines their evolving societal roles. The findings underscore the integrative function of bakhshi art as a transmitter of historical memory, moral values, and communal identity. This research thus contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of Khorezm’s oral epic performers in the construction of Uzbek national and cultural consciousness.