Magtymguly Pyragy
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Magtymguly Pyragy (in Persian: مختومقلی فراغی Makhtumqoli Faraghi) (1733-1783) was a Turkmen spiritual leader and philosophical poet whose efforts to secure independence and autonomy for his people in the 18th century figured prominently in the Ruhnama.
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Education and Early Life
Pyragy was born in the Haji Qushan village near Gonbad Kavus city in the Iranian province of Golestan. He received his early education in the Persian and Arabic languages from his father Dowletmammet Azady, a leading scholar at that time. He went on to study and write poetry, developing a realistic style of writing about 18th century Turkmen that proved very popular and ultimately led to him becoming one of the most cherished Turkmen poets of all time. He was also a devout Sufist who was said to have travelled throughout all the lands comprising modern Turkmenistan, teaching and praying for the salvation of his people. Pyragy is burried in Aqtuqay village in north-western Iran. Iranian government has inaugurated a beautiful mausoleum on his grave.
Political Ideals
Along with Gorkut Ata and Oguz Han, he promoted the idea of keeping the Turkmen way sacred, as well as maintaining the unity and integrity of the Turkmen nation. During his lifetime, his efforts had minimal success overcoming the existing tribal loyalties and rivalries, and it wasn't until 1991 that a completely independent state was established (see History of Turkmenistan).
Quotation
- "Know that what I built,
- Is the peg of this world.
- Forever it will stay independent,
- This is the edifice of the Türkmen."
External Links
- Essay on Magtymguly's Philosophy of Upbringing (http://www.turkmenstudents.com/En/maghtoum.html)
- Full text of the Ruhnama, with select quotes mentioning Magtymguly Pyragy. (http://www.ruhnama.com)