Yusup Has Hajip (c. 1010–1092), whose full name is Yusup Has Hajip Balasaguni, was a renowned 11th-century Uyghur poet, philosopher, and scholar of the Karakhanid Dynasty. He was born in Balasagun (near present-day Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan) and later moved to the Karakhanid capital, Kashgar (present-day Kashgar, Xinjiang), where he completed his magnum opus.
Yusup Has Hajip's most famous work is the long poem Qutadghu Bilig (The Wisdom of Royal Glory), which was written in 1069–1070. It is the first large-scale literary work in Uyghur with a definite date of composition. The poem, consisting of over 13,000 lines, is written in the Arabic aruz meter in the form of masnavi (rhymed couplets) and pioneered the ancient rhythmic couplet form in Turkic poetry. Qutadghu Bilig explores themes of justice, happiness, wisdom, and contentment through four symbolic characters: the king "Sunrise," the minister "Full Moon," the minister's son "Wisdom," and the royal relative "Awakening."
In addition to Qutadghu Bilig, Yusup Has Hajip authored The Book of Knowledge and The Book of Policy, completed in 1082 and 1091, respectively. These works further demonstrate his profound expertise in philosophy, politics, and social sciences.
Yusup Has Hajip and his works hold an extremely important place in the cultural treasury of the Chinese nation. Qutadghu Bilig is not only a foundational work of Uyghur classical literature but also reflects the political, economic, legal, ethical, philosophical, historical, cultural, and social life of the time. The work integrates diverse cultural elements, reflecting the multicultural integration of Central Asia.
The portrait of Yusup Has Hajip was created by the famous Uyghur painter Hazi Ahmat (1933–2017). Born in Kashgar, Xinjiang, Hazi Ahmat was the Vice Chairman of the China Artists Association and renowned for his works that highlight the cultural characteristics of the Uyghur people. His art combines Soviet-style realistic oil painting with the regional culture of Xinjiang, forming a unique artistic style.
In Hazi Ahmat's portrayal, Yusup Has Hajip is depicted with a noble and aloof demeanor, embodying his brilliant and talented spirit. The portrait shows the poet in traditional attire, with a wise countenance and eyes that reveal a passion for knowledge and a love for wisdom. This painting not only captures the poet's physical features but also conveys his inner spiritual world through artistic expression.
Yusup Has Hajip is an outstanding literary figure and philosopher in the history of the Uyghur people. His work Qutadghu Bilig is a gem of Uyghur literature and an important source for studying the history and culture of Central Asia in the 11th century. The portrait by Hazi Ahmat enriches our understanding of this great poet. Yusup Has Hajip and his works hold an irreplaceable position in the cultural treasury of the Chinese nation, showcasing the diversity and inclusiveness of Chinese culture.