SHAFIK

“SHAFIK”, is a Bashkir ethnic song, uzun-kuy. Registered by G.Z. Suleymanov in 1938 in Temyasovo village, Baymakskiy District, BASSR from A. Karimov and published in “Bashkir ethnic art” (1st v., 1954). The lyrics and notes were registered by N.D. Shunkarov from Y.F. Akmurzin in 1965 in Blyavtamak village, Kuvandykskiy District, Orenburgskaya region. They were published in the “Bashkir ethnic art. Songs and naigryshes” collection (1983) by K.Y. Rakhimov. The song is lyroepic. Its origin is connected with the activities of the District head Shafik Ishemgulov (Shafik-sesen). He opposed the officials outrage and called on people to protect their rights. He also hid from the tsar authorities but was caught and exiled to Siberia for hard labor. One of “S.” variants tells the story from the perspective of the people who witnessed the tragedy. Another variant tells the story from the perspective of the main character who composed the song when he met his wife who used to visit him in the forest. The main character reflects on his life and its values. “S.” melody has a wide range (approx. two octaves) and wide chants, variable beat and rich ornamentation. The song’s mode is a major pentatonic. Descending and ascending movement of the melody to quint makes the song unique and expressive.

G.Сh. Khamitova