Labour camp poetry: the case of the poems by Kazakh poet and researcher Burkit Iskakov

Burkit Iskakov was a prominent poet, scholar, and public figure committed to the interests of the nation, a follower of the Alash ideas, and the founder of the Esep Party (Party of People Who Love Their Homeland). He advocated the idea of an independent state, risking his life for the freedom and independence of his people, and a prisoner of the Steplag labour camp in the Zhezkazgan region. Prepared as part of the doctoral dissertation "The Literary and Scientific Legacy of Burkit Iskakov", this article presents examples and analyzes the poet's works written during his imprisonment and exile. The article employs methods of generalization, systematization, comparison, conceptual analysis, and synthesis. The purpose of the article is to reveal the civic stance of the poet, analyze historical truth through his poetry, and explore the essence of such complex concepts as "totalitarianism," "repressions," "Gulag," and "rehabilitation" within the context of Kazakh literature and their significance for the Kazakh people. In addition, the poet's verses are compared with the works of other poets, writers, and researchers. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the fact that the theme of labour camp poetry still requires deeper study in contemporary literary scholarship. The research findings can be used in studies on the history of Kazakh literature and literary criticism.

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