Female characters have held an important place in literature throughout history. In Azerbaijani literature, the portrayal of women spans a development line from classical periods to modern literature. In classical times, women were often depicted as passive, obedient, and devoted to family values. In Nizami Ganjavi's Khamsa and Fuzuli's Leyli and Majnun, female characters are represented as symbols of beauty, love, and sometimes sacrifice. During this period, women played a minor role in society, often serving as symbols in the eyes of men. In ancient literature, female characters were more often depicted as preservers of purity and moral values. These women were usually seen as characters who maintained harmony and followed the rules and regulations of their respective societies. In the works of poets like Fuzuli and Nizami, the female character was portrayed not only as a symbol of love but also as a "guardian" who preserved the moral and ethical positions of society. In Nizami Ganjavi’s works, women serve as absolute symbols of love and morality, safeguarding the highest ethical and moral values in society.
In the 19th century Azerbaijani literature, the representation of female characters began to emphasize more social and moral issues. During this period, female characters were no longer just idealistic and romantic but also portrayed as beings who struggle with their positions in society and the difficulties they face in their personal lives. Under the conditions of this period, female characters were depicted as individuals striving to find their place not only in family and domestic work but also in education, labor, and public life. The female characters of this period are presented as beings attempting to live a "new" life socially and culturally.
In the early 20th century, the struggle for women's rights began, and this also influenced our literature. During this period, female characters appear more active and bold. Additionally, the number of female poets, writers, and literary figures increases. In fact, in Qurban Said's novel Ali and Nino, the character of Nino challenges the patriarchal values of society as an independent individual. This serves as an example of expressing women's rights and independent ways of thinking.
In the period of independence, female characters become even more modern. Today's writers explore women's various roles, emotional and psychological states, and their strengths and weaknesses in greater depth. Women are no longer just mothers, housewives, and wives, but also independent individuals, struggling leaders, and active participants in the development of society.
Female characters in our literature are not only an expression of gender but also a symbol of societal development, changing values, and struggle. The ways women are portrayed in literature throughout different periods reflect society's view of their role. While female characters in Azerbaijani literature have been depicted differently in various eras, their strength, struggle, and contributions to humanity are invaluable. In the modern era, the enrichment of these characters shows that we are one step closer to recognizing the development of society and women's rights.
In the future, the place of female characters in literature will become even more important. As society changes, women's roles will also evolve and be discussed on a broader scale. Contemporary writers, with new literary styles and forms, will present female characters in a deeper and more complex way. This will also lead to more reflection on the position of women in different societies, their struggles, and their contributions to humanity.
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