Origins & Early Life

Qul Ghali (Volga Türki: قل علی; Tatar: Кол Гали, Qol Ğali; Bashkir: Ҡол Ғәли, romanized: Qul Ğəliy; Chuvash: Кул Али, romanized: Kul Ali; c. 1183 – 1236) was a famous Muslim Volga Bulgarian poet. His most famous poem is Qissa-i Yusuf (قصه یوسف; Tale of Yusuf), written in the Volga Turki language, which is mutually intelligible with the modern Tatar, Bashkir and Chuvash languages. According to historian Ravil Bukharaev, Ghali was likely born into a cleric family in Volga Bulgaria.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He studied in the Khwarezmean madrassah. Ghali also resided or studied in various areas around Volga Bulgaria and possibly traveled to Iran, Syria and other parts of the Middle East. He wrote his immortal poem in 1233. It is theorized that Ghali spent his last years at Bilyar. He was probably killed in 1236 during the Mongol invasion of Volga Bulgaria.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Qissa-i Yusuf (قصه یوسف, also transliterated Qïssa-yï Yusuf), also known as the Yosïfnamä, was inspired by Qur'anic stories of Joseph. The poem is devoted to the struggle against evil and for human happiness. The poem played a major role in the Muslim Volga Bulgarian culture and later the Bashkir and Tatar culture. More than 200 manuscripts...

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