Folklore in Ramazan Shaikhulov’s Novel “White Steppes”

This article analyzes the novel “White Steppes” by Yugra writer Ramazan Shaykhulov for the presence and use of folkloric elements. 2026 has been declared the Year of People’s Unity in Russia. Particular attention is paid to the study of the culture, traditions, and folklore of all the peoples of our country. Folklore is the living memory of a people, the core of its identity, and the source of its values and worldview. Through folklore, experience is passed down from generation to generation, and character and spiritual unity are shaped. Ramazan Shaikhulov’s novel “White Steppes” is a work of fiction that vividly and authentically reveals the daily life of a 20th century Bashkir village, its wealth of folk traditions and oral traditions. The novel’s characters live in a world filled with customs familiar from childhood: they sing folk songs and ditties, observe rituals – all of these shapes their inner world. Folklore occupies a special place in the novel – it not only enlivens the narrative but also carries profound meaning, shaping the national character and expressing the worldview of the Bashkir people. Through songs, legends, proverbs, sayings, and customs, the author conveys a wealth of folk wisdom, traditions, and life values that support the characters in difficult times, help them make decisions, and maintain self-confidence, honor and dignity. Systematization and analysis of folklore material revealed that these elements are organically woven into the novel’s structure; they reveal the characters’ inner worlds, reflect their outlook on life, and enhance the text’s imagery and emotionality. Folklore elements serve as a connecting link between generations, helping to understand the peoples’s historical pathand preserve the continuity of traditions. The novel “White Steppes” can be viewed as a work of fiction in which folklore not only embellishes the plot but also serves as a foundation for shaping national character, educating new generations, ang transmitting eternal values.