Башкирские народные такмаки

Abstract

Introduction. The takmak holds a special place in the genre system of Bashkir folklore, essentially being an ancient stratum of national folk music. The term ‘takmak’ ― with minor phonetic variations – can be found in languages of a few Turkic peoples, such as the Shors, Kazakhs, Khakasses, Kumyks, Chuvashes, and Tatars. This folk genre gained great popularity and development in the Soviet era, and still remains most popular and much needed. Historical Background. Despite the available publications (including monographs) dealing with Bashkir folk takmaks, the theme is understudied enough. Bashkir folklorists have not resolved the question of classification, the genesis of takmaks being as unclear. Goals. Examining the existing works, the paper aims to analyze versions of the researchers regarding origins of the genre and its classification, consider semantic and essential differences between takmaks and short songs, identify intra-genre types of the takmak, and reveal its specific features. Results. The paper concludes that takmaks are an ancient genre of Bashkir folklore. In terms of purposes, those are divided into dance, play, ritualistic ones, not to mention aitysh-takmaks, reminder takmaks (or yadkar-takmaks), humoristic or fabulous ones. When it comes to a functional classification, we witness the emergence of a complete system. On the one hand, each subgroup acts as a separate kind of Bashkir folk musical arts; and on the other hand, they all retain indissoluble mutual genetic ties. The takmak differs from the genre of short songs (Bash. ҡыҫҡа йыр) by means and principles it involves to mirror the reality; takmaks are not sung but rather recited melodiously with an obligatory dance accompaniment