AMIR ALI-SHIR NAVAEI AND HER ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE JAGHTAIE TURKISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

Abstract

Amir Ali-Shir Navaei, known by the pen name "Fani," was a prominent literary figure of the 9th century AH, corresponding to the late Iraqi style period in Persian poetry. He produced significant works in both Persian and Chagatai Turkish. This descriptive-analytical study aims to explore Navaei 's influence on the development of the Chagatai Turkish language and literature. The findings indicate that through his diverse body of poetry and prose, Navaei successfully elevated Chagatai Turkish from a regional language to a recognized literary medium. He wrote poetry in both Persian and Chagatai Turkish, using the pen names "Fani" and " Navaei." In addition to his literary endeavors, he was a devoted patron of scholars, poets, and artists, playing a key role in promoting Islamic culture and art. Among his most notable works is "Muhakamat al-Lughatayn" (The Judgment of Two Languages), in which he compares Persian and Turkish, highlighting the literary potential of the Turkish language. Beyond literature, Navaei had a profound impact on social and cultural spheres, significantly strengthening the status of Chagatai Turkish in relation to Persian. This study concludes that Navaei was not only an outstanding poet but also a cultural theorist who played a pivotal role in shaping the literary and national identity of Turkic-speaking communities.