Mollanepes

• Name — Mollanepes • Born — 1810 • Died — 1862 • Occupation — Poet, writer • Period — 19th century • Language — Turkmen • Relatives — Kadyrberdi (father) • Native Name — ملانفس • Notable Works — Zöhre-Tahyr • Birthplace — Near Sarahs or Sarakhs • Place of death — Near Mary

Mollanepes was born circa 1810 somewhere around Sarahs, Turkmenistan, according to the Turkmen tradition, or most likely near Sarakhs, Iran. After studying in Mary, his father sent him to get a Quranic instruction in Bukhara and Khiva. There, he read and learned classical Middle-Eastern literatures; Ahmad Yasawi, Fuzuli, Imadaddin Nasimi along with oral traditions. Although he learned Ottoman Turkish and Arabic, his inspiration comes mostly from classical Persian literature. His most renowned and most famous work is the epic Zöhre-Tahyr, a tragic story about impossible love between Zöhre, a rich princess, and Tahyr, a commoner from lower society. The story emphasizes loyalty, fate, and spirituality, following the tradition of classical Persian literature. He died at around 50 years old, near Mary.