The epic “Koroglu” (“Köroğlu”, “Koroghlu”, “Korogli”, “Kerogli”), despite its late origin (XVII century), in comparison with other Turkic epics, has no analogue in its prevalence. The formation of the epic started from the XVII century and lasted until the XIX century. Later, it was subjected to various artistic developments and changes, becoming a unique example of overcoming linguistic and ethnic boundaries . Mainly handed down by narrators, it began to be written down in the first half of XIX century to the beginning of XX century, and the stories spread in Central Asia, especially in 1930–1940s and later.

KeywordsKoroglu (Korogli) epic Armenia Armenian version Urmia Azerbaijan (Aturpatakan) A. Chodzko Turkic Iran ashugh.

In the original collection of the epic “Sasna Tsrer” (“Daredevils of Sassoun”), since 1936 the geonym “Hadrbejan” or “Azerbaijan” is mentioned, which, during the period of the USSR, was associated with the neighboring Azerbaijani SSR. Our research suggests that the above is based only on two versions recorded from Moks’ (Western Armenia) narrators who traveled abroad in the late 19th century. The narrators meant the historical Aturpatakan (Atropatene), i.e. Iranian Azerbaijan. Moreover, in one version the geonym is mentioned instead of Gurjistan (Georgia). Meanwhile, in other versions of the epic, other geonyms appear in these episodes, primarily China and India.

Keywords“Sasna Tsrer” epic Hadrbejan (Azerbaijan) Aturpatakan Gurjistan (Georgia) Iran M. Abeghian S. Kanayan narrator Gorgiz (Gorgi)