Poetic Incorporation and its Functions in “Book of Turban” by Khushkhal-Khan Khattak

Abstract

This article is devoted to one of the aspects of Early Afghan Literature studies — functioning of poetic incorporation in the first extant prosaic literature work in Pashto — “Dastar-nama” or “Book of Turban” by Khushkhal-khan Khattak (1613–1689). The aim of the article is to define main characteristics and functions of poetic inserts in “Dastar-nama” and determine the means of interaction between prose and poetry in a single artistic space. Such problem definition is quite actual as prose-and-poetic works are widely spread in all classic literatures of the Middle East (Arabic, Persian, Turkish etc.). Still, the problem of poetic inserts’ roles and objectives is insufficiently explored. Thus, this article analyzing the material of Afghan Literature contributes to the creation of instrumental basis for further medieval prose-and-poetic pieces’ functioning analysis.