Abstract
<jats:p>The epic of Alpamysh is an important cultural heritage that helps us understand the worldview and traditions of the Turkic peoples. The relevance of this study lies in the fact that folklore heritage plays a key role in shaping national identity. Researching the transformation of “Alpamysh” allows us to analyze the influence of social and cultural changes on the preservation and adaptation of dastan narratives. This work can contribute to a deeper understanding of the interactions between different cultures and their epic traditions, which is highly relevant in the context of cultural exchange. The purpose of this article was to examine the stability and change of epic traditions in the context of the Tatar version of the famous Turkic epic, with an emphasis on analyzing the cultural, historical, and artistic aspects that contribute to the preservation and transformation of these traditions in modern society. The article examines the processes of genre inertia and transformation using the “Alpamysh” epic, identifies key factors influencing the formation and development of the dastan, highlights the characteristics of the Tatar version, represented by various variants common in the Volga region and Siberia, and discusses the evolution of the epic work under the influence of geographical, cultural, and historical factors. During the systematization process, the authors analyzed oral and written versions of the dastan. Particular attention was paid to the current state of the epic, confirmed by materials from recent folklore expeditions. The study demonstrated that, despite differences in its forms of expression, the Tatar version of “Alpamysh” retains the basic narrative structure of the Turkic heroic epic, remaining a significant element of national culture. The novelty of this study lies in its offering a new perspective on the adaptation and evolution of epic traditions in Tatar culture, examining them in the context of contemporary social and historical changes. The analysis allows us to identify key mechanisms for preserving cultural identity and values in the context of globalization. The study utilized several methods, including textual, comparative historical, structural-typological, hermeneutic, and others, which together allow for a more in-depth exploration of the dynamics of folklore traditions and their significance. The study revealed that the Tatar version of the epic demonstrates certain features that reflect the cultural and historical characteristics of the people, which contributes to the preservation and transformation of their epic traditions. Furthermore, an analysis of various Tatar versions of the dastan demonstrated how epic folklore adapts to modern conditions while maintaining its integrity.</jats:p>