ARTISTIC REFLECTION OF THE POSTMODERNIST WORLDVIEW IN NARGIZ ISMAYILOVA’S MONOGRAPH “KAMAL ABDULLA AND POSTMODERNIS”Dilara Shamil Aliyeva

UDC: 82 – 09
https://doi.org/10.59849/2409-4838.2025.3.21
ARTISTIC REFLECTION OF THE POSTMODERNIST WORLDVIEW IN NARGIZ
ISMAYILOVA’S MONOGRAPH “KAMAL ABDULLA AND POSTMODERNIS”
Dilara Shamil Aliyeva
Institute of Literature named after Nizami Ganjavi of ANAS, Baku, Azerbaijan
aliyeva.dilara724@yandex.ru
Received: 05.03.2025
Accepted: 27.06.2025
Postmodernism is a philosophical and aesthetic movement that emerged in the mid-20th century and has retained its influence into the contemporary period. As a multifaceted phenomenon,
postmodernism has left its mark on every sphere from art to politics. While it introduced flexibility,
tolerance, and plurality into modern thinking, some critics argue that it relativized values. This movement questions traditional values, the notion of objective truth, and classical structures. Kamal
Abdulla has created a unique literary style by adapting the universal methods of postmodernism to
the cultural codes of Azerbaijan. His works constitute a significant contribution both to the development of national literature and to the global postmodern discourse. Nargiz Ismayilova’s monograph
Kamal Abdulla and Postmodernism provides an in-depth analysis of these approaches, evaluating
the author’s oeuvre within the global postmodern context. The book emphasizes Kamal Abdulla’s
role as an example of the successful fusion of postmodernism with national sources in Azerbaijani
literature.
Keywords: Skepticism, experimental approaches, intertextuality, time and space
INTRODUCTION
Postmodernism is a literary, philosophical-aesthetic, and cultural movement that emerged in
the mid-20th century and has persisted into the contemporary era. This current is known for its critique of traditional values, classical structures, and the modernist concept of “objective truth” Key
features of postmodernism include skepticism, irony, ambiguity, and openness to difference.
In postmodern thought, ―truth‖ is considered relative and may carry different meanings for
each individual or culture. This movement seeks to transcend intercultural boundaries and integrates
elements of popular culture into art, literature, and architecture.
Among its primary characteristics are the following:
 Irony and Parody: Postmodernist works often express a critical attitude toward certain values or movements through irony and parody.
 Fragmentation: Events and characters are frequently presented through non-linear connections.
 Metanarrative: The emphasis on the work’s awareness of itself as a constructed narrative
essentially, a story that comments on its own storytelling.
 Pluralism and Difference: A valuing of multiple perspectives and a celebration of diversity.
MAIN PART
Manifestations of Postmodernism in Kamal Abdulla’s Work. In the main body of the article, the research methodology and results are presented.
Postmodernism in literature has manifested through new forms and experimental approaches.
Kamal Abdulla is a prominent artist who has explored the elements of postmodernist style and contributed to Azerbaijani literature by incorporating the distinctive features of this movement. His engagement with postmodernism has infused Azerbaijani literature with a new spirit, playing a crucial
role in conveying national heritage, history, and values within a new context.
Kamal Abdulla is considered one of the key figures in Azerbaijan’s contemporary literary and
scholarly life. He distinguishes himself through works across various genres, particularly within the
postmodernist style. His creative focus lies in the reinterpretation of national and cultural values,
history, mythology, language, and spiritual concepts. Moreover, Kamal Abdulla delves into the deep layers of Azerbaijani culture, demonstrating how it can exist in harmony with universal values.
This approach is articulated in a language that can be translated both nationally and globally, aligning with the open and polyphonic nature of postmodernism.
Kamal Abdulla’s works reflect key postmodernist features such as playfulness, intertextuality,
textual interconnectedness, polyphonic structures, and the blending of reality and fantasy. Intertextuality, as noted, refers to the phenomenon of a text interacting with its semiotic cultural environment—internalizing external meanings. In general, intertextuality emerges as a result of the active
role that socio-cultural context plays in the processes of meaning-making and interpretation [6, p.
246].
The monograph “Kamal Abdulla and Postmodernism” by Nargiz Ismayilova, dedicated to
postmodernism and Kamal Abdulla’s literary activity, is considered a significant contribution to
Azerbaijani literary criticism and cultural thought. In the book, the author analyzes the works of Kamal Abdulla an outstanding Azerbaijani writer, scholar, and public figure-within the framework of
postmodernism. Ismayilova explores how the main features of postmodernism are reflected in Abdulla’s works and reveals the connections between his creativity and the contemporary literary process.
The monograph pays special attention to the harmony between postmodernism and national
identity in Kamal Abdulla’s writing. Drawing on historical and mythical themes, he effectively represents traditional national values through postmodern approaches. His texts demonstrate ―ideas
such as the possibility of multiple interpretations‖ [5, p. 44], open-ended structures, polyphonic
compositions, and dialogic relationships between author and reader.
By widely employing postmodern literary techniques in his works, Kamal Abdulla simultaneously preserves Azerbaijan’s national cultural heritage, history, and literary traditions. This approach makes his writing unique and allows him to address issues related to national identity in a contemporary context. Through the transition from postmodernism to national authenticity, he emphasizes the richness of Azerbaijan’s cultural and literary legacy. His creative vision demonstrates that
the preservation of national identity is possible even in an increasingly globalized world. This perspective stands as a striking example of how national distinctiveness can endure in modern Azerbaijani literature during the postmodern era.
Kamal Abdulla, through his short stories, makes extensive use of postmodern literary techniques while simultaneously preserving Azerbaijan’s national cultural heritage, historical memory,
and literary traditions. This approach renders his work unique and presents the issue of national
identity preservation in a contemporary and relevant context. Kamal Abdulla emphasizes the richness of Azerbaijan’s cultural and literary legacy in the transition from postmodernism to national
authenticity.
For instance, in the short story “The Valley of Magicians”, the author reinterprets motifs from
traditional folk tales through a modern postmodern lens. The following passage is a vivid illustration of this approach: ―He wasn’t truly a magician, but everyone believed he was – including himself.
It was as if he had been born with that name, as if the name had chosen him‖ [1, p. 22].
This sentence reflects both the postmodern ―play of identity‖ and the deconstruction of
mythological and heroic archetypes derived from oral and folk narratives. His literary work demonstrates that the preservation of national identity is possible even within a globalized world. This approach serves as a striking example of how national uniqueness continues to thrive in contemporary Azerbaijani literature within the framework of postmodernism.
The monograph focuses on the core postmodernist elements found in Kamal Abdulla’s texts,
such as intertextuality, parody, and irony. Nargiz Ismayilova highlights how Abdulla successfully
integrates traditional literature with postmodern techniques. This approach contributes to the layered meanings and complex structures found in his works.
Kamal Abdulla’s postmodernist method is especially evident in one of his most renowned novels, The Incomplete Manuscript. In this work, the author reinterprets the ancient Azerbaijani epic
Kitabi-Dede Gorgud, presenting its myths, legends, and spiritual values within a postmodern context. By synthesizing mythical and historical elements, he offers readers both a new perspective on
the past and a fresh philosophical outlook on human existence and identity. Referring to ancient
Azerbaijani history and the Dede Gorgud epic, the novel brings together past and present, myth and
reality. Within this framework, concepts of national identity and cultural distinctiveness are presented through a postmodern lens; the narrative transcends the boundaries of realism and engages readers in self-reflective thought.
Philosophical and Psychological Dimensions in Kamal Abdulla’s Works. Nargiz Ismayilova considers Kamal Abdulla’s novel “No One to Forget” as one of the most notable examples of
contemporary Azerbaijani literature distinguished by its philosophical depth and psychological insights. The novel foregrounds themes such as inner loneliness, the loss of memory, and confronting
the past through the lens of this amnesia. It explores profound ideas regarding forgetfulness as a
phenomenon that can occur at any moment in human life, as well as the inevitability of people being condemned to forget one another. One of the central themes of the novel is the loss of connection with one’s past and the psychological consequences that follow.
In this work, Kamal Abdulla extensively utilizes the core techniques of postmodern literature.
Elements such as intertextuality, fragmented narrative structure, non-linear representation of time,
and semantic ambiguity are key features of the novel. By skillfully merging classical literary traditions with postmodern approaches, the author presents a deeply layered and multifaceted text to the
reader. The novel realizes the concept of parallel worlds, which are uniquely constructed through
the characters.
―F.Q. recalled the words of the Patriarch once more: One can reach the River Styx on the
wings of this writing. – The true meaning of those words finally became clear to the bewildered and
speechless F.Q. – The Patriarch had certainly been on the shores of the Styx‖ [4, p. 306].
The structure of the novel deviates from traditional linear narrative lines. By transcending the
boundaries of time and space, Kamal Abdulla intertwines the past and present, fantasy and reality.
This approach encourages the reader to reflect more deeply and engage in analytical interpretation.
The novel is rich not only in universal themes but also in references to Azerbaijani national culture,
history, and literary traditions. By alluding to Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage, folk legends, historical
events, and literary classics, Kamal Abdulla emphasizes the importance of preserving national identity. These aspects make the novel both modern and rooted in national heritage.
Kamal Abdulla’s short story collection “The Secret of Time or The Labyrinth of Stories” is among
the most compelling works in Azerbaijani literature that combine mystical, psychological, and philosophical elements. This book leads the reader into a labyrinth of stories that unfold across different times and
places. Unlike traditional narrative styles, Abdulla’s stories are filled with profound layers of meaning,
extraordinary characters, and complex symbols that are sometimes difficult to decipher. Kamal Abdulla’s
short story collection“The Secret of Time or The Labyrinth of Stories” is one of the notable works in Azerbaijani literature that combines mystical, psychological, and philosophical elements. This book takes the
reader on a journey through a labyrinth ofstoriesthat unfold across different spaces and times. For instance, in one of the storiesfrom the collection, the following sentence appears: ―A person wakes up from one
dream only to fall into another — without even knowing which one is more real‖ [3, p. 185].

This expression reflects the dissolution of boundaries between reality and illusion, the depiction of
the subconscious, and the embodiment of postmodern notions of relativism within the narrative.
Such an approach is significant in that the author leads the reader not only through a plot, but through a labyrinth of time and space imbued with philosophical contemplation. In this work, Kamal
Abdulla does more than simply tell stories — he invites reflection on the nature of time, memory,
and reality itself.
Each story in the collection holds a secret and invites the reader to reflect and explore the
mysterious dimensions of life. The events unfold in both real and metaphorical settings, blurring the
lines between the tangible and the symbolic. Kamal Abdulla’s language, rich in philosophical interpretation, demonstrates his mastery in portraying the unity of ancient and modern life. Each story
addresses a distinct theme, yet all emphasize the relativity of time and space and the subtle boundary between reality and imagination.
This collection is particularly aimed at readers interested in philosophy and psychology, as
well as those seeking a new and distinct narrative style in Azerbaijani prose. Through this work,
Kamal Abdulla asserts his original voice in contemporary Azerbaijani literature and invites the reader to get lost—and then found again—within the labyrinth of stories.
His novel “The Adventure of Secrets” represents a work rich in metaphysical, philosophical,
and psychological dimensions. This novel invites the reader to contemplate the mysteries of life and
the human condition. The monograph emphasizes not only the artistic depth of the novel but also
the investigation of mysterious and mystical occurrences, the connection between the human being
and the universe, and the exploration of the deepest layers of the human psyche. Kamal Abdulla
presents a metaphorical world to understand the links between knowledge and spirituality. The protagonists in the novel encounter their inner worlds through various stages of life, searching for answers to profound and mysterious questions. The language of “The Adventure of Secrets” is poetic
and fluid, and the novel creates a platform for contemplating both the visible and invisible dimensions of existence. It ultimately serves as a literary space for reflecting on the meaning of life.
A Postmodern Labyrinth: Narrative, Time, and Identity in The Adventure of Secrets. In
the monograph, Kamal Abdulla’s novel The Adventure of Secrets is analyzed as a work that embodies the typical characteristics of postmodern literature and, within this context, demands deep critical examination. The novel incorporates elements such as complex narrative structures, the elasticity of temporal perception, and semantic multiplicity. Within this framework, the concepts of time
and space are constructed as a postmodern labyrinth. In postmodern literature, characters are typically not one-dimensional; their identities, roles, and motivations are often filled with ambiguity
and contradiction. Similarly, in The Adventure of Secrets, characters do not undergo development in
the classical sense. Rather, their identities and actions are presented in a postmodern configuration.
The main characters of the novel do not possess clear motivations or backgrounds, as would
be expected in traditional narratives. This situation complicates the reader’s process of understanding the characters and transforms the pursuit of their ―true‖ identities into a labyrinthine experience. The characters’ identities are fluid and shift along with time and space, which aligns with postmodernism’s rejection of the notion of a stable identity. The characters take on different roles across
various temporal layers, making it impossible for the reader to place them within a single framework.
In postmodern literature, the narrative does not progress linearly through time. The concept of
time in The Adventure of Secrets is similarly fragmented and complex, differing significantly from
traditional storytelling. ―Hasan teacher’s office was a large and bright room. Bookshelves stood on
all four sides, and bookcases hung on the walls. On one of the walls (the one where Hasan teacher’s
desk was placed), a map of medieval European and Asian countries was displayed‖ [2, p. 26]. This
spatial description gives the impression that the map simultaneously evokes both the medieval and
modern worlds, thus collapsing temporal boundaries. The novel shifts between different temporal layers, often without any clear markers. This elastic and fragmented treatment of time corresponds
to postmodernism’s tendency to question the notions of ―historical continuity‖ and ―chronological
time.‖ By blurring the borders between past, present, and future, the novel highlights the relativity
of time, thereby transforming the reader’s perception of temporality and rendering the narrative more intricate.
Another hallmark of postmodern literature — polyphony is prominently featured in this novel. Multiple perspectives and stories are presented concurrently, making it impossible to reduce the
narrative to a single point of meaning. The novel questions the boundaries between reality and fiction, turning the reader’s search for the ―real‖ into a labyrinthine endeavor. The monograph examines
The Adventure of Secrets as a work that exemplifies the defining traits of postmodern literature,
analyzing these characteristics in detail. Through its ambiguous character identities, its fragmented
and flexible sense of time, and its multilayered themes, the novel invites the reader into a postmodern labyrinth.
Within this labyrinth, the reader is encouraged to question the boundaries between reality and
fiction, while simultaneously exploring the relativity of concepts such as identity, memory, and time. The novel reflects the complex and multidimensional structure of postmodernism, offering an
experience that transcends conventional storytelling.
CONCLUSION
Kamal Abdulla is an author who has successfully integrated postmodernism with national culture, significantly contributing to the development of Azerbaijani literature. His works are invaluable in terms of their application of contemporary literary techniques and the preservation of national
values. Abdulla’s ability to combine postmodern elements with the unique characteristics of Azerbaijani culture has made his works an essential part of modern Azerbaijani literature.
The book Kamal Abdulla and Postmodernism is a valuable resource for both literary scholars
and readers interested in contemporary literature. This work is particularly beneficial for those who
wish to gain a deeper understanding of Kamal Abdulla’s creative world and explore the manifestations of postmodernism within Azerbaijani literature. Nargiz Ismayilova’s analysis presents a new
perspective in Azerbaijani literary criticism and makes a meaningful contribution to the advancement of modern literary studies. The book offers insightful interpretations that reflect on both the
postmodern features of Abdulla’s work and their connection to the broader context of Azerbaijani
literary traditions.
In summary, Kamal Abdulla’s works represent an exemplary fusion of postmodern literary
techniques and the rich cultural heritage of Azerbaijan. His unique approach not only enriches the
local literary landscape but also serves as a bridge between contemporary global trends and national
identity, making a significant impact on the evolution of Azerbaijani literature.
REFERENCES

Quliyev, Q. Ədəbi cərəyanlar və istiqamətlər/ Q.Quliyev. – Bakı: Elm, – 2019. – 260 s.

Abdulla, K. Hekayələr / K.Abdulla – Bakı:Mütərcim, – 2009.– 56 s.

Abdulla, K. Sirlərin sərgüzəşti / K.Abdulla – Bakı:Mütərcim, – 2019.– 284 s.

Abdulla, K. Sirri-zəmanə / K.Abdulla – Bakı:Mütərcim, – 2014.– 495 s.

Abdulla, K. Unutmağa kimsə yox / K.Abdulla – Bakı:Mütərcim, – 2012.– 340 s.

İsmayılova, N. Kamal Abdulla və postmodernizm / N.İsmayılova– Bakı: Yarasa, – 2024. –99 s.

NƏRGİZ İSMAYILOVANIN “KAMAL ABDULLA VƏ POSTMODERNİZM”
MONOQRAFİYASINDA POSTMODERNİST DÜNYAGÖRÜŞÜNÜN BƏDİİ ƏKSİ
D.Ş. Əliyeva
Postmodernizm, 20-ci əsrin ortalarında yaranan və müasir dövrə qədər təsirini qoruyan fəlsəfi-estetik cərəyandır. Postmodernizm çoxşaxəli bir fenomen olaraq incəsənətdən siyasətə qədər hər
sahədə iz qoyub. O, müasir düşüncəyə çeviklik, tolerantlıq və çoxmənalılıq gətirsə də, bəzi tənqidçilər onun dəyərləri nisbiləşdirdiyini iddia edir. Bu cərəyan, ənənəvi dəyərləri, obyektiv həqiqət anlayışını və klassik strukturları sorğulayır. Kamal Abdulla, postmodernizmin universal üsullarını
Azərbaycanın mədəni kodları ilə uyğunlaşdıraraq, unikal bir ədəbi stil yaratmışdır. Onun əsərləri
həm milli ədəbiyyatın inkişafı, həm də qlobal postmodern diskurs üçün əhəmiyyətli töhfədir. Nərgiz İsmayılovanın ―Kamal Abdulla və Postmodernizm‖ monoqrafiyası bu yanaşmaları dərin təhlil
edərək, müəllifin yaradıcılığını qlobal postmodern kontekstdə qiymətləndirir. Kitab, Azərbaycan
ədəbiyyatında postmodernizmin milli mənbələrlə uğurlu birləşməsinə nümunə kimi Kamal Abdullanın rolunu vurğulayır.
Açar sözlər: Skeptizm, eksperimental yanaşmalar, intertekstuallıq, zaman və məkan
ХУДОЖЕСТВЕННОЕ ОТРАЖЕНИЕ ПОСТМОДЕРНИСТСКОГО МИРОВОЗЗРЕНИЯ
В МОНОГРАФИИ НАРГИЗ ИСМАЙЛОВОЙ “КАМАЛ АБДУЛЛА И
ПОСТМОДЕРНИЗМ”
Д.Ш. Алиева
Постмодернизм — это философско-стетическое направление, возникшее в середине XX
века и сохраняющее своѐ влияние до наших дней. Будучи многогранным феноменом,
постмодернизм оставил след во всех сферах — от искусства до политики. Несмотря на то что он
привнѐс в современное мышление гибкость, толерантность и многозначность, некоторые
критики утверждают, что постмодернизм нивелирует ценности, делая их относительными. Это
течение ставит под сомнение традиционные ценности, понятие объективной истины и
классические структуры. Камал Абдулла, адаптируя универсальные методы постмодернизма к
культурным кодам Азербайджана, создал уникальный литературный стиль. Его произведения
являются важным вкладом как в развитие национальной литературы, так и в глобальный
постмодернистский дискурс. Монография Наргиз Исмайловой «Камал Абдулла и
постмодернизм» глубоко анализирует эти подходы, оценивая творчество автора в контексте
мирового постмодернизма. Книга подчѐркивает роль Камала Абдуллы как примера успешного
синтеза постмодернизма с национальными источниками в азербайджанской литературе.
Ключевые слова: скептицизм, экспериментальные подходы, интертекстуальность,
время и пространство

JOURNAL OF YOUNG RESEARCHER, 2025, №3, ISSN 2409-4838