The synergetic structure of the literary text: al-Khidr in Nizami Ganjavi’s Iskandarnama

Abstract

This article aims to examine the figure of Hz. Hızır in Nizâmî Ganjavi’s “Iskandarnama” through a synergetic approach. The purpose of the study is to determine the place of Hızır’s mythological status and functions within the context of the literary text, and to analyze the distribution of mythological images and their roles within the complex system of the text. In this study, the literary text is analyzed based on the principles of non-linear openness and interconnectedness inherent in synergetics. An interdisciplinary approach is employed as the method; the intersection of literary studies, mythology, and synergetic theories is utilized to understand the functions of mythological elements in literary texts. The relationship between Hızır and the elixir of immortality, his role as a guide, and his mythological status are analyzed through various sections of the “Iskandarnama”. The findings indicate that Hızır is not a transient element in the “Iskandarnama”, but rather an integral part of the text’s philosophical and aesthetic structure. It has been determined that Hızır’s mythological attributes, such as wisdom, guidance, and renewal, interact with other mythological elements in the text. Moreover, it has been established that Hızır inherently possesses a non-linear nature, which contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the text through interdisciplinary analysis. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the examination of mythological elements in literary texts through interdisciplinary methods significantly contributes to understanding both the aesthetic and cultural depths of the text.