NARRATIVE AND RHETORIC IN GULRUKH ALIBAYLI’S ENVIRONMENTAL DISCOURSE: LITERARY PERSPECTIVES ON THE CASPIAN SEA’S ECOLOGICAL CHALLENGES

Summary: This paper examines the literary contributions of Azerbaijani writer and critic Gulrukh Alibayli, focusing on her works such as “Our Thinking World” and “Our Struggling World”, as profound reflections on the ecological challenges facing the Caspian region. Through evocative prose and critical analysis, G. Alibayli employs literary techniques to explore the root causes of the Caspian Sea’s ecological decline, including pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. Her narrative draws attention to the philosophical relationship between humans and nature, portraying the sea as a cultural symbol and a threatened ecosystem. G. Alibayli contrasts the Caspian Sea’s idyllic past with its current degradation, using poetic symbolism and vivid imagery to evoke a sense of loss and urgency. This paper delves into how her works critique societal and systemic attitudes toward environmental stewardship, intertwining themes of patriotism and cultural identity with a call to action. By analyzing her rhetorical and literary strategies, this study situates Alibayli’s advocacy within the broader context of Azerbaijani literature and environmental humanities. Her portrayal of the Caspian Sea’s plight serves as a literary appeal for collective responsibility and sustainable action, offering a nuanced perspective on the interplay between cultural heritage and ecological preservation.