Qozy Körpesh and Bayan Sulu

folktale · Kazakhstan · Central Asian

The oldest Kazakh love dastan, dating back over 1,500 years to the era of the Türgesh Khaganate. Qozy and Bayan are promised to each other from birth, but Qozy's father dies before the marriage can take place. Bayan's ambitious father, Karabai, breaks the promise and betroths her to a wealthy rival. Qozy searches for his beloved across the vast steppe, overcoming obstacles imposed by Bayan's family. The lovers are reunited, but a tragic fate awaits them — Qozy is murdered by Kokman, a servant of Bayan's unwanted suitor. Bayan, in her grief, avenges Qozy's death and then takes her own life to j

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