Abstract: The subject of this article is the origins of the poem “Hadji Abrek” by M. Y. Lermontov, question of location where the events take place, as well as the question of the possible impact of folk poetic oeuvres upon the work of Mikhail Lermontov. The article describes different opinions and interpretations (within the format of the article) on the topic, to the exclusion of “emphatic” commentaries and remarks. The object of this research is folklore and historical materials that contribute to revelation of idea of the poem, description of the protagonists, characterization of the Caucasian and Dagestan folklore, the echoes of which are traces in Lermontov’s poems.  The authors underline that geographical and ethnographic “nuances” were used by Lermontov to describe the forming picture in the mountain country. The novelty of this study consists in analysis of the material testifying that the inclusion of “installations” of another nation is substantiated in the poem, not just because it is somewhat of a tribute to romanticism, but it is also marks Lermontov’s comprehension of the folklore as an untouchable ”heart” of culture and ethnic uniqueness. The acquired results contribute to the scientific Caucasian studies and Lermontov studies. The conclusion is made of folklore in Lermontov's poem indicates a number of defining characteristics that allowed determining individual expression of poet's work. It is reflected in selection of the examples of folk poetry, peculiar regard to the sources, and their deflection in the poem.

Abstract: The subject of this article is the genetic affinity of the Balkar, Karachay and Kumyk folklore. Interconnection between three closely related nations – Balkars, Karachays, Kumyks, whose origins take roots in the ancient time and continued in medieval times, are reflected virtually in all folklore genres: myths, heroic epos, ritual and nonritual poetry, heroic-historical songs, etc. The object of this research is the folklore and historical materials that testify to close genetic affinity of the Balkars, Karachays, Kumyks. The scientific novelty of this work consists in analysis of the material that demonstrates significant commonness of Balkar-Karachay-Kumyk folklore. Therefore, the targeted study of folklore ties of Balkars-Karachays and Kumyks with regards to all genres, represents not only scientific-theoretical significance, but also allows determining specific cultural-historical paths of development of these ethnoses along with other ethnic groups of North Caucasus. The conducted analysis of tales, nursery rhymes, skipping-rope rhymes, proverbs and sayings of the three ethnic groups emphasizes their typological similarities and genetic affinity. This allows formulating the conclusions of scientific-theoretical nature, as well as on the history of the indicated ethnoses.

Abstract: The subject of the research is the gender-specific features of the poetry of of a modern Kumyk female poet of the late XXth - early XXIst century Jaminat Kerimova. The object of the research is her love lyrics. The author of the article examines such aspects of the topic as 'female poetry', masculine world view, difference between 'male' and 'female' poetry. For example, unlike men women tend to give a more emotional and pathetic description of their surroundings, love and family life because women usually depict the sphere of life that is close and clear for them themselves. The researcher also covers important motives in female poetry such as the motif of one-way love, destroyed illusions, unhappy family life, unrealized dreams of being a mother, etc. In the course of the research the author has used such research methods as comparison, psychological analysis and description. The main results of the research include: descripton of 'female' features of creative writing, typical featurse being pathetics and listening to one's heart, as well as description of the ideological features, genre and structure of images used by Kerimova. The author's special contribution to the topic is her analysis of specific features of female poetry which gives a better insight into gender-related issues. The dominating motif in female lyrics is love that demonstrates gender-specific style most brightly. The novelty of the research is caused by the fact that the author analyzes creative writing of Jaminat Kerimova whose literary legacy is still understudied as part of Kumyk and Dagestan literature.