Ayaz İshaki

Ayaz İshaki, born on February tenth, eighteen seventy-eight, emerged as a pivotal figure in the Tatar national movement. His multifaceted career as a writer, dramaturge, journalist, and politician left an indelible mark on Tatar literature, drawing comparisons to the likes of Pushkin and Tolstoy in Russian literature.

Among İshaki's notable works is the dystopian tale 'Extinction in 200 years' (200 yıldan soñ inqiraz), published in Kazan in nineteen oh four. His play 'Zuleiha' (Zöləyxa), released in nineteen seventeen, poignantly addresses the forced baptism of his people, showcasing his deep commitment to cultural identity and social issues.

In nineteen eighteen, İshaki served as the secretary of state for the short-lived Idel-Ural State. He famously remarked that 'Russia is a prison of nations,' reflecting his complex views on national identity. Despite his criticisms, he believed that the Tatar community's challenges were partly self-inflicted, attributing their struggles to a reluctance to embrace progress and adapt to Russian culture.

İshaki's literary journey was significantly influenced by Russian authors, and he was aligned with the Jadid movement, advocating for reform and modernization. His correspondence with Maxim Gorky during his time in İstanbul highlights his desire for his works to reach a broader audience, as Gorky expressed interest in translating them into Russian.

His legacy continues through his daughter, Saadet Çağatay, a noted Turkologist, ensuring that İshaki's contributions to literature and culture are remembered and celebrated.