The Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years (original title: Gün Olur Asra Bedel), written by the Kyrgyz author Chinghiz Aitmatov and published in 1980, narrates events taking place on the Central Asian steppes during the Soviet Union era. The novel, supported by Aitmatov’s storytelling rooted in Kyrgyz culture, explores the conflict between local traditions and modern ideological structures, focusing on the individual’s struggle for identity, memory, and existence under social pressure.

Plot and Structure

At the center of the novel is a character named Yedige, who works at a small railway station on the Kazakh steppes. The narrative revolves around Yedige’s efforts to bury his close friend Kazangap according to old traditions. Though seemingly simple, this event symbolizes the individual’s attempt to preserve cultural roots and resist societal pressures.

The novel intertwines two main dimensions of time and space. On one hand, there is the daily life of Yedige and his journey to bid farewell to his friend; on the other, there are memories from the past, legends, and fictional elements related to the future. Particularly, the legend of Nayman Ana and the myth of the Mankurt, a dehumanized alien species, enrich the novel’s symbolic structure.

Main Themes

The novel highlights several key themes:

• Cultural Identity and Memory: Yedige’s attempt to bury Kazangap in accordance with ancestral traditions emphasizes the significance of one’s roots and the connection with the past.
• The Mankurt Legend: One of the most striking symbols in the novel, the Mankurt represents an individual stripped of memory and disconnected from their roots. Through this myth, Aitmatov shows that erasing a person’s memory and identity can turn them into a soulless robot.
• Technology and Humanity: The storyline involving astronauts establishing communication with extraterrestrial beings reflects humanity’s hunger for knowledge and offers a critical perspective on technological advancement.
• Critique of Oppression and Totalitarian Regimes: The novel contains implicit criticism of Soviet ideological oppression and the identity crisis experienced by individuals under such regimes.

Language and Narrative Style

Aitmatov employs a language rich in symbols and metaphors. Narratives such as the Mankurt myth and the Nayman Ana legend add mythological and literary depth to the novel. The author's simple but effective language and vivid descriptions contribute to the strong atmosphere of the work.

Impact of the Novel

The Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years attracted considerable attention upon its publication and has been recognized within the context of world literature. The themes explored in the novel extend beyond the Soviet era and possess broader relevance. The work presents observations related to human behavior, cultural heritage, and historical development. It has also been examined by critics as a narrative that addresses issues of identity and historical memory.

Mankurtization

Mankurtization is a legendary concept introduced in Aitmatov’s novel, where a person’s memory is erased, rendering them a mindless and identityless slave. While used symbolically in the novel, the concept is rooted in ancient Turkic mythology.

The Mankurtization Process

According to legend, mankurtization is a brutal method used to destroy the memory of captives and turn them into will-less slaves. The process is described as follows:

• Shaving the Head: The captive’s head is completely shaved to the root.
• Wrapping with Camel Skin: Fresh, wet camel skin is tightly wrapped around the shaved head. As the skin dries, it shrinks and puts pressure on the skull.
• Exposure to the Sun: The captive is left for days in the scorching desert sun, hands and feet bound. The drying skin increases the pressure on the skull.
• Excruciating Pain: The contracting camel skin causes extreme pain, damaging nerve endings in the scalp and resulting in memory loss.
• Loss of Memory: If the captive survives, they completely forget their past, identity, family, and social ties. They become a being who follows orders without question—a slave.

Symbolic Meaning of Mankurtization

Aitmatov uses the concept of the mankurt not only as a method of physical torture but also as a metaphor for the destruction of identity, cultural heritage, and conscious thought. In the novel, the process symbolizes the psychological oppression imposed by totalitarian regimes and the assimilation policies that aim to erase cultural distinctiveness. This depiction serves as a powerful critique of societies where individuals are stripped of memory and questioning ability, turning into blind followers—an allegory that remains relevant across political and cultural contexts.