Javanologi: International Journal of Javanese Studies
Vol 8, No 2 (2025): Javanologi Volume 8 No. 2: June

Revisiting Turkmen and Javanese Folktales: Exploring Educational and Character-Building Values

Nyyazmammedova, Tazegul (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2025

Abstract

Folktales are a medium rich in educational values and play a vital role in character formation and cultural preservation. This study examines the educational and cultural values found in selected folktales from Turkmenistan and Java, highlighting stories such as Yartykulak, Gorogly, Dede Korkut, Gul-Bilbil, Gul-Senuber from Turkmenistan and their parallels in Javanese folktales such as Kancil, Rara Jonggrang, Ande-Ande Lumut, Panji Asmarabangun, and Buto Ijo. The literature and textual analysis show that folktales are not merely a form of entertainment, but also a repository of moral wisdom—conveying values such as bravery, cleverness, loyalty, justice, perseverance, and respect. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, this study identifies shared and distinct values reflected in the characters, conflicts, and resolutions within each story. The findings indicate that both Turkmen and Javanese folktales carry important lessons on social responsibility, heroism, cultural identity, and ethical behavior. These stories are thus valuable tools for character education, particularly in multicultural and cross-cultural learning settings. Moreover, the study recommends the integration of folktales into character education curricula and the use of digital storytelling platforms to engage younger generations. Preserving and promoting folktales in both traditional and digital formats is crucial to ensuring the transmission of moral and cultural values, fostering an ethical, empathetic, and culturally rooted generation in an increasingly globalized world.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

javanologi

Publisher

Subject

Religion Arts Humanities

Description

Javanologi: International Journal of Javanese Studies focuses on the areas relevant to the scope of the interdisciplinary Javanese studies which include social sciences, antrophology, archaeology and history, architecture, and urbanism, economics, education, geography, law, management studies, media ...