Spring is in the Hearts
The path of creativity of Nodirabegim and Zulfiya
Nadirabegim and Zulfiya, two remarkable women from different eras, contributed much to the growth of Uzbek folk literature with their bravery, intelligence, insight, compassion, and love. Modern Uzbek ladies exhibit these excellent attributes. The younger generation's beliefs and the Uzbek people's memory will always bear the names of their noble foremothers.
Text by Malika Fattakhova
Illustrations by Diyora Gulyamova
On the eve of spring and beautiful holidays, we would like to remember the genuinely inspiring Uzbek women who changed the history of their people. Thanks to the efforts and aspirations of Nadirabegim, Zulfiya and many others, Uzbek women today have equal rights, can express themselves freely, and participate in public affairs without fear for their lives.
Nadira Begim (1792-1842)
Prominent poet Makhlaroyim Nadira held a unique position in Uzbekistan's literature during the first part of the 1800s. Nadira composed poetry in Uzbek and Persian-Tajik, carrying on the rich heritage of indigenous poetry. She wrote under the pseudonyms "Nadira" and "Kamila" in her native tongue.
As the daughter of the ruler of Andijan and the wife of Umar Khan (Omar), the ruler of Kokand, Nadira contributed to her people's cultural standing by helping to build markets and madrassas. She was also a representative of the poetry of the Kokand ladies, building on the tradition of Alisher Navoi, the father of Uzbek literature, and drawing inspiration from him.
«His beauty is fire, and his heart is to burn in it,
My love is a misfortune that led the army into battle.
My sadness comes later, and my heart is a swimmer in it,
To throw my anchor into the depths of the waters of love».
Nadira's poetry, which stood out for being melodic, was well-received and ended up in collections that spanned the 19th and 20th centuries. Her writings were primarily concerned with justice, love, and humanism. Nadira fought tenaciously for women's rights and their aspirations for a better future. Through her poems, she promoted humanism and the values of friendship, affection, and loyalty.
Zulfiya (1915-1996)
Zulfiya Israilova was a subtle connoisseur of the soul of a simple working man. Her poetry embodies a unique and vivid depiction of the human soul and actions.
After graduating from high school and the Women's Pedagogical Institute, Zulfiya quickly discovered her passion for poetry and began composing poetry. Since childhood, poetry seemed to her an extraordinary gift of nature. At the tender age of 17, her debut collection, "Pages of Life", masterfully captured the beauty of the human soul. Major literary publications have recognized her talent by accepting her work and advancing her career.
A marriage based on deep love united her with the famous poet and playwright Hamid Alimjan, which lasted only nine years and gave her inspiration for numerous sensual poems.
Zulfiya's literary tapestry reflected the world around her, touching on themes that resonated with the strings of her soul, experiences and emotions. Much of her work focuses on the fate of Uzbek women who are turning from traditional homemakers into more independent personalities. She praised the beauty of nature and man as the highest part of nature, filling her poems with warmth and light.
«My heart, which I knew was like a mountain
When the bird did not stay on its head?
I think I can overcome grief
The world is growing again, the stain».
a piece of the poem "What a disaster you have made, mubtalo"
Zulfiya's poetic legacy serves as an anthem to Uzbekistan, a tribute to the working people and the desire for justice on Earth. Her poems continue to resound, reflecting the rich cultural palette of Uzbek literature.
