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THE INTERPRETATION OF NATIONAL VALUES IN THE
LITERATURE OF THE INDEPENDENCE PERIOD OF UZBEKISTAN
Allayarov Ismoil
Teacher of Nukus Muhammad al-Beruni Secondary
Specialized Islamic Educational Institute
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16991490
Abstract
. The period of Uzbekistan’s independence has witnessed a
profound transformation in national literature, especially in the interpretation
of cultural and spiritual values. This article examines how writers and poets of
the independence era reinterpret national traditions, heritage, and identity in
their works. Moreover, it highlights the significance of national values in shaping
social consciousness, as well as their role in constructing a modern Uzbek
cultural identity.
Keywords
: Independence, Uzbek literature, national values, traditions,
identity, cultural heritage.
Introduction
. With the declaration of independence in 1991, Uzbekistan
entered a new historical stage that required the re-evaluation of cultural identity
and spiritual foundations. Consequently, literature became one of the most
important means through which national values were reinterpreted and
presented to the new generation. Writers emphasized the revival of forgotten
traditions, the glorification of historical figures, and the moral lessons embedded
in folklore and classical heritage. Therefore, the interpretation of national values
in independence-era literature is deeply intertwined with the broader process of
nation-building.
Independence encouraged the rediscovery of national history, which had
often been marginalized during the Soviet period. Writers highlighted historical
figures such as Amir Temur, Alisher Navoiy, and the Jadid intellectuals,
portraying them as symbols of resilience. For example, in Haqliev's Amir Temur
davri madaniyati, the poet reimagines the wisdom of Amir Temur’s governance
[2, 294-300]. By recalling Temur’s just rule and strict discipline, Oripov
emphasizes the importance of law, order, and patriotism in contemporary
Uzbekistan. This poem not only glorifies the historical leader but also draws
parallels with the independent nation’s aspiration for stability.
Similarly, in Erkin Vohidov’s essays and poems dedicated to the Jadids,
figures like Abdulla Avloniy and Mahmudxo‘ja Behbudiy are praised as martyrs
of knowledge and freedom. For instance, in his reflections on Behbudiy’s play
“Padarkush” (The Parricide), Vohidov reminds readers that the Jadids sacrificed
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their lives for enlightenment and national progress, making them models for
modern generations.
Literature of the independence era also revisited cultural traditions as a
source of moral strength. O‘tkir Hoshimov’s novel “Dunyoning ishlari” (The
Affairs of the World) is a striking example. In this work, the character of the
mother embodies patience, compassion, and respect for family. Her famous
saying, “Insonning qadri sabr bilan o‘lchanadi” (The worth of a person is
measured by patience), reflects the traditional Uzbek belief in endurance and
humility. Through the mother’s wisdom, Hoshimov affirms that family and
parental respect remain the backbone of national culture [3].
Another example is found in Halima Xudoyberdiyeva’s poetry, where she
often portrays the Uzbek woman as both a guardian of tradition and a voice of
progress. In her poem “Ayol” (Woman), she writes: “Ayol demak – ona demak,
ona demak – Vatan demak” (To say woman is to say mother, to say mother is to
say homeland). This line directly ties motherhood to patriotism, elevating family
values into symbols of national identity [7].
Ethical and spiritual renewal also became central in post-independence
literature. Abdulla Oripov’s poem “Sen yetim emassan” (You Are Not an Orphan)
is a moving example. The poem addresses the nation’s children, assuring them
that independence has given them a homeland and a protector. The lines, “Ona
yurt seni bag‘rida asraydi” (The motherland will protect you in its embrace),
express the ethical responsibility of the state and society to care for the younger
generation.
Similarly, Muhammad Yusuf, one of the most beloved poets of the
independence era, infused his poems with spiritual and ethical values. In
“Vatanim” (My Homeland), he declares: “Men seni sevaman, O‘zbekiston,
onamday azizsan” (I love you, Uzbekistan, you are dear to me like my mother).
By equating the homeland with the figure of a mother, he reaffirms the moral
principle of filial devotion applied to the national level [4].
Furthermore, Omon Matjon’s poetry often incorporates Islamic imagery. In
his poem “Iymon” (Faith), he stresses that spiritual strength and moral purity
are the foundations of national unity. His verses illustrate how Islamic ethics
harmonize with national traditions, guiding individuals toward honesty and
social responsibility [6].
Independence-era literature directly contributed to shaping national
identity. For example, Abdulla Oripov’s poem “O‘zbekiston”, chosen as the text of
the national anthem, is a quintessential case where literature became part of
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state symbolism. The anthem begins with the words: “Serquyosh hur o‘lkam,
elga baxt, najot” (My sunny free land, happiness and salvation for the people),
encapsulating the pride and hope of an independent nation.
Moreover, Erkin Vohidov’s “O‘zbegim” cycle of poems celebrates the Uzbek
language as a cornerstone of national identity. By writing, “O‘zbek tilim – jonim
mening” (My Uzbek language is my soul), Vohidov elevates the mother tongue
into a sacred marker of cultural continuity.
Finally, prose writers such as Isajon Sulton in novels like “Boqiy darbadar”
(The Eternal Wanderer) explore the challenges of globalization. Through his
characters’ struggles with cultural alienation, Sulton suggests that a strong
attachment to traditions and language is essential for preserving Uzbek identity
in the modern world.
Conclusion
. In conclusion, the interpretation of national values in the
literature of the independence period of Uzbekistan reveals a rich interplay of
history, culture, ethics, and spirituality. Oripov’s “Temur tuzuklari” and anthem
“O‘zbekiston”, Vohidov’s “O‘zbegim”, Hoshimov’s “Dunyoning ishlari”, and
Muhammad Yusuf’s patriotic poems serve as concrete examples of how writers
revived national memory, redefined cultural traditions, and shaped a collective
identity. Thus, independence-era Uzbek literature is not merely artistic
creativity; it is a cultural and moral force that preserves heritage, reinterprets
values, and transmits them to future generations.
References:
1. Oʻzbekiston Respublikasi Davlat madhiyasi
2. Haqliev, V. B. (2024). АMIR TEMUR DAVRI MAʼNAVIYATI. THEORY AND
ANALYTICAL ASPECTS OF RECENT RESEARCH, 3(26), 294-300.
3. Hoshimov, O'. (2018). Dunyoning ishlari. Qissa. -T.: O'qituvchi
4. Muhammad Yusuf. Ulug‘imsan, Vatanim. She’rlar. “Ijod dunyosi” nashriyot uyi.
T:. 2004.
5. Vohidov E. Dilda ishq daryochadir... [Matn]: She'riy to'plam / E. Vohidov. — Т.:
„Ziyo nashr“ nashriyoti, 2019. — 128 b.
6. Омон Матжон. Иймон ёғдуси. Сайланма. – Тошкент, Ғ.Ғулом номидаги
адабиёт ва санъат нашриёти, 1995. – 384 б.
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КОНЦЕРНИ БОШ ТАҲРИРИЯТИ. ТОШКЕНТ - 2000
