The Kutadgu Bilig: some characteristics and its relation to the idea of rule

Abstract

Mirrors of princes are a specific genre of Islamic literature dedicated to giving advice to rulers, princes, and ministers. There are few mirrors that are composed in verse. The Kutadgu Bilig is modeled on the Persian Shāhnāme of the poet Firdawsi making the Central Asian heritage of wisdom literature at home in Islamic contexts. The text is written in Qarakhanid Turkish; the form is a didactic poem set as a dialogue between the protagonists. In a Weberian sense the program of advice may be analyzed as rational leadership due to the increasing role of shari’a-based rulership. However, there are other elements of legitimacy in this text blurring the clear distictions made by Weber. Hence, we may identify it as a unique, non-European case of legitimation of rulership. The Kutadgu Bilig are to be read as an attempt to secure the continuation of the Central Asian tradition in a context dominated by Iranian influences into Central Asia. The protagoists of this work are the king, the vizier, the wise man, and the ascet. All these actors are representing virtues needed for successful rulership. At the same time the roles of all the persons associated with the court are discussed even very personal ones like choosing a wife and raising children.