Metaphors in the Poetry of Mashkhur Zhusip Kopeuly

This article presents a comprehensive cognitive-linguistic, cultural-linguistic, and conceptual analysis of metaphorical structures in the poetry of Mashkhur Zhusip Kopeuly. The main objective is to characterize metaphors not merely as poetic devices but as symbolic codes that reflect national consciousness and a spiritual worldview. Through metaphor, the poet conveys complex relationships between man and God, spirit and ego, people and rulers, knowledge and ignorance–using deep symbolic imagery rooted in Kazakh cultural and religious tradition. The article examines conceptual metaphors such as "spring's source," "boat," "river," "stallion," and "the boat of trust" from both poetic and epistemological perspectives. Mystical and religious metaphors are analyzed to reveal the presence of Sufi poetics and an Islamic worldview in Mashkhur Zhusip Kopeuly's writings. Folklore-based metaphors like "ram and herd" are interpreted in the context of social hierarchy and leadership within Kazakh society. The study concludes that metaphors in Mashkhur Zhusip Kopeuly's poetry function not only as aesthetic elements but also as representations of national spirituality, historical memory, moral values, and philosophical thought. This research contributes to contemporary discourse in Kazakh linguistic anthropology and cultural linguistics. By offering an innovative methodological lens for interpreting metaphor, the article demonstrates how national worldview is encoded in poetic language.