Ancient Greek motifs on the walls of the Kyafar mausoleum and in the Karachay-Balkar Nart epic

Ediev, Dalkhat (2025) Ancient Greek motifs on the walls of the Kyafar mausoleum and in the Karachay-Balkar Nart epic. ACTA ANTIQUA ACADEMIAE SCIENTIARUM HUNGARICAE, 65 (1). pp. 1-20. ISSN 0044-5975

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Abstract

The paper explores the numerous parallels between the design and proportions of the Kyafar mausoleum, as well as the Karachay-Balkar Nart epic, and ancient, primarily ancient Greek, art forms, going far beyond the image of the basilisk and a few parallels mentioned in the literature. Within the mausoleum, we have identified six such parallels, including various ancient proportions within the structure itself (11 pro portions) and in its design (19 proportions). In particular, the composition of the façade of the mausoleum seems to depict Prince Örüzmek, his wife, his son and a dog, drawing references from the ancient Odysseus and his family, as confirmed by the parallels between the Nart and ancient epics involving these corre sponding characters. In addition, there are 23 episodes in the Nart epic that have ancient parallels. The parallels found in both monuments emphasise the previously established link between the Alan mausoleum and the Karachay-Balkar Nart epic. They also point to a significant historical link between the cultural heritage of the Karachay-Balkar people and the ancient Greek world. Investigating the origins, nature and chronological limits of such a connection remains a task for future research. However, two preliminary possibilities can be suggested: direct ancient contacts, and the superficial infiltration of Christianity into Alan society, driven by the pagan-mystical nature of their beliefs, which influenced their perception of ancient Greek pagan motifs.

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