The image of the great steppe according to the book of ibn battuta and the article of N.A. Nazarbayev “Uly dalanyn zheti kyry” (“seven facets of the great steppe”)

Abstract

The topic of the present research is the specificity of Kazakh nomads, reflected in the article of N. Nazarbayev “Seven Facets of the Great Steppe” and in the book of Ibn Battuta, an Arab traveler.
The value of the research is defined by the fact that the views of the authors of both works have found their full expression in the samples of oral poetic culture of the nomads of the XV-XVIII centuries. The purpose of this research is the systematization of the most essential features of the Kazakh nomads. These features are also described by the famous traveler. He reveals the uniqueness of history and culture of the nomads. The idea of uniqueness and originality of the nomadic civilization is the main message of «Seven Facets of the Great Steppe”, which raises “the question is not how to show its greatness by belittling the role of other peoples. Most importantly, calmly and objectively understand our role in the global history, relying on strict scientific facts” (Nazarbayev 2019).
In the description of the nomadic country – Desht-I-Kipchak, Ibn Battuta appears as a subtle observer. Due to completeness, accuracy of historical description, we can compare his travel sketches with samples of nomadic poetry. This comparative methodology contributes to the achievement of the purpose of the research in line with the main directions – spiritual renewal, search for a national idea (disclosure code of the nation).