Mollanepes
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Mollanepes | |
|---|---|
 Commemorative coin of 500 Turkmen Manats | |
| Native name | ملانفس |
| Born | 1810 Near Sarakhs |
| Died | c. 1862 Near Mary |
| Occupation | Poet, musician, writer |
| Language | Turkmen |
| Alma mater | Madrasa in Mary, Turkmenistan |
| Period | 19th century |
| Subject | Love, Sufism, Patriotism and Military |
| Notable works | Zöhre-Tahyr and Ashygy–Sanam |
| Spouse | Bossantech |
| Children |
|
| Relatives | (Kadyrberdi (father)
|
Mollanepes (born Nepes Kadyrberdy Ogly, c. 1810 – 1862), was a prominent 19th-century Turkmen poet, teacher, and musician, widely regarded as one of the greatest classical literary figures in Turkmen literature.[1] Known for his lyrical poetry—especially focused on themes of love—Mollanepes played a key role in enriching and developing Turkmen poetic traditions during a time of cultural transition.
Early life and education
Mollannepes was born around 1810 as Nepes in what is today the Sarah district, near Serakhs[1]. He was the youngest of four sons of Mullah Kadyrberdi, a well-educated and respected figure.[1] Due to his father's scholarly background, Nepes was given the honorific title "Molla" (meaning "teacher" or "scholar"), and thus became widely known as Molla-Nepes (Mollanepes).
His education began at a village school and continued at a madrasah run by Molla Tore in the town of Mary. His father later sent him to study at prestigious madrasahs in Bukhara and Khiva, where he learnt about classical literature like Ahmed Yasawi, Fuzuli, and Imadaddin Nasimi. He graduated with high honours, eventually attaining the rank of ahon, a title denoting religious scholarship. Although he learnt both Ottoman and Arabic literature, most of his works derive inspiration from Persian works while he wrote in Turkmen[1]
Career and personal life
After returning to his homeland, Mollanepes worked as a teacher, engaged in agriculture, and practiced as a jeweller.[2] He married a woman named Bossantech, with whom he had two sons: Muhammad Rahim and Resula.[2] His eldest son, Muhammad Rahim also wrote poetry.[2]
Mollanepes was highly esteemed in his time and was closely associated with other greats of Turkmen literature, including Mammetweli Kemine, who reportedly admired his talent.[2] According to family accounts, particularly from his great-granddaughter Oguljahan Eje, Mollanepes often participated in poetry gatherings where he would perform his poems accompanied by the dutar, showcasing his skill as a bakhshi.[2]
Near the end of his life, Mollanepes reinterpreted the theme of love and wrote some religious works. He died in 1862. The exact details of his death are not well documented, as is common with many 19th-century Central Asian poets, though it is thought that he may have died from wounds he sustained in a battle.[2]