Abstract: The subject of this article is the origins of the poem “Hadji Abrek” by M. Y. Lermontov, question of location where the events take place, as well as the question of the possible impact of folk poetic oeuvres upon the work of Mikhail Lermontov. The article describes different opinions and interpretations (within the format of the article) on the topic, to the exclusion of “emphatic” commentaries and remarks. The object of this research is folklore and historical materials that contribute to revelation of idea of the poem, description of the protagonists, characterization of the Caucasian and Dagestan folklore, the echoes of which are traces in Lermontov’s poems.  The authors underline that geographical and ethnographic “nuances” were used by Lermontov to describe the forming picture in the mountain country. The novelty of this study consists in analysis of the material testifying that the inclusion of “installations” of another nation is substantiated in the poem, not just because it is somewhat of a tribute to romanticism, but it is also marks Lermontov’s comprehension of the folklore as an untouchable ”heart” of culture and ethnic uniqueness. The acquired results contribute to the scientific Caucasian studies and Lermontov studies. The conclusion is made of folklore in Lermontov's poem indicates a number of defining characteristics that allowed determining individual expression of poet's work. It is reflected in selection of the examples of folk poetry, peculiar regard to the sources, and their deflection in the poem.

Abstract: The subject of this article is the genetic affinity of the Balkar, Karachay and Kumyk folklore. Interconnection between three closely related nations – Balkars, Karachays, Kumyks, whose origins take roots in the ancient time and continued in medieval times, are reflected virtually in all folklore genres: myths, heroic epos, ritual and nonritual poetry, heroic-historical songs, etc. The object of this research is the folklore and historical materials that testify to close genetic affinity of the Balkars, Karachays, Kumyks. The scientific novelty of this work consists in analysis of the material that demonstrates significant commonness of Balkar-Karachay-Kumyk folklore. Therefore, the targeted study of folklore ties of Balkars-Karachays and Kumyks with regards to all genres, represents not only scientific-theoretical significance, but also allows determining specific cultural-historical paths of development of these ethnoses along with other ethnic groups of North Caucasus. The conducted analysis of tales, nursery rhymes, skipping-rope rhymes, proverbs and sayings of the three ethnic groups emphasizes their typological similarities and genetic affinity. This allows formulating the conclusions of scientific-theoretical nature, as well as on the history of the indicated ethnoses.

Abstract: The subject of this research is the artistic specificities of the poetic texts of religious-philosophical content of the modern Kumyk poetess of the late XX – early XXI century Dzhaminat Kerimova. The object of this research is her later poetic works. Relevance of this topic is substantiated by the need for creating a holistic picture of the final period of creative path of the poetess, which marks prevalence of the religious-philosophical aspects. Based on philological analysis of the poems, the author determines the religious-philosophical motifs; as well as explores the problem of person’s stance on religion, material world, and children’s view of their parents. The main conclusions consist in revelation of the religious-ethical motifs in later period of poetry (1990-2000). The author’s special contribution to this research lies in the analysis of language peculiarities of Kerimova’s poetic texts of religious-philosophical nature that give insight into the specificity of Sufi factor. The author was able to determine that the theme of religion, which most vividly depicts the specificities of the use and functionality of Sufi lexicon, is dominant in the later poetic texts. The scientific novelty consists in reference to the later period of poetry of Dzhaminat Kerimova, as her literary heritage and religious texts in particular, remain insufficiently studied in the context of religious literatures of the peoples of Dagestan. The author believes that the research of this topic would allow filling the gap in the modern Kumyk poetry, and thus, enrich not only Kumyk, but also Dagestani literature.