Dede Korkut

Acrylic, watercolor & gold on hand-painted paper, 35 x 50 cm, Artist’s Collection

Dede Korkut is the legendary wise ancestor of the Oghuz Turks. He is the mentor of all Turkic peoples, and a symbol of integrity. Leaders of the tribe took heed of his words and advice. In this painting, he is playing his kobyz, an ancient Turkic musical instrument, as he tells stories, gives advice, and prays, during birth and death ceremonies, and other important social occasions.  

Curator’s Note: The Oghuz were a nomadic Turkish tribe that started migrating westward from Central Asia in the 8th and 9th centuries. Many people living today in Turkey, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan trace their heritage to the Oghuz.