SHARLY FOREST

“SHARLY FOREST”, Bashkir ethnic song, uzun-kuy. First registered by G.K. Yenikeev in 1880s, it appears in his handwritten collection “Bashkir and Tatar songs” (known as “Digest № 1”; is preserved in the folklore cabinet of USIA). The song is dramatic. The origin of “S.F.” is connected with the event, which took place in the 18th century in Sharly urman location, Yaik­-Subi­-Minsk parish, Nogayskaya road  (Alsheyev  and  Belebey  Districts,  RB). Boyar Deyev illegaly possessed Bashkir lands and forests there. The poetic text describes native nature, worries of the banished people; it shows the appreciation of the tribes and unity of families in order to defend the lands. Wide range (about 2 octaves), intramural chants, fourth ascending leaps, which make the melody epic, are typical for the tune.

G.Сh. Khamitova