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SAIDBEK HASANOV’S CREATIVE APPROACH TO THE TEXT OF
‘BOBURNAME’
Islomkhon Khodiyevich Musaev,
Arabic Language Instructor at Alfraganus University
ismusayev94@gmail.com
ARTICLE INFO
ABSTRACT
Qabul qilindi: 29-yanvar 2025 yil
Ma’qullandi: 10-fevral 2025yil
Nashr qilindi:25-fevral 2025 yil
This article analyzes the literary-aesthetic,
historical, and textual aspects of Boburnoma, a
masterpiece of Uzbek classical literature. Special
attention is given to the contributions of literary heritage
researcher Saidbek Hasanov, who prepared a critical
scholarly edition of the work. Hasanov approached the
text creatively, highlighting its stylistic features, aesthetic
depth, and making it accessible to modern readers. The
article also explores Babur’s lyrical poetry, emphasizing
his expression of human emotions, love, and moral
values, and presenting his works as reflections of
profound personal and philosophical insight.
KEYWORDS
Baburnama,
Saidbek
Hasanov, creative approach,
literary
heritage,
aesthetic
analysis, textual studies, lyrical
poetry, human values.
Introduction.
One of the pearls of Uzbek classical literature, Boburnoma has not lost its
significance to this day, not only as a historical source but also as a work of high artistic value.
Through this work, one can gain a deep understanding of the political, social, and cultural life
of its time. In terms of scholarly and theoretical research as well as textual analysis, the
contributions of Saidbek Hasanov are especially noteworthy. He emphasized the importance
of approaching Boburnoma not merely from a historical or philological perspective, but also
with a creative mindset. Saidbek Hasanov is a researcher of literary heritage.
Analytical Study of the Literature.
The scholarly research conducted on the legacy of
Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, particularly his work Boburnoma, is distinguished by historical,
philological, and literary-aesthetic approaches. In this study, the analytical examination of
literature focuses on two main directions: textual criticism and the development of literary
thought.
Among the academic studies dedicated to Babur's works, the research conducted by Saidbek
Hasanov stands out. Notably, he wrote a dissertation on the topic “Babur's Treatise on Aruz”,
and he is recognized as a key reformer and methodologist in the systematic study of Babur’s
heritage. Hasanov’s preparation of rare works such as Aruz, Volidiyya, and Mukhtasar for
publication from a textual studies perspective, along with his work on the scholarly-critical
edition of Boburnoma, has contributed significantly to the formation of his own academic
school.
During the analysis, special attention was also given to the lyrical content of Babur's poetry,
its aesthetic system, philosophical ideas, and aspects that glorify human values. In this context,
the influence of Alisher Navoi’s creative legacy on Babur’s poetry was examined, along with
literary and historical sources related to Babur’s expression of themes such as humanity, love,
loyalty, and moral perfection.
Additionally, the richness of Babur’s language, his mastery in creating imagery, and his use of
literary-aesthetic devices were analyzed through the perspectives of prominent Uzbek
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literary scholars such as G‘afur G‘ulom, A. Hayitmetov, T. Karim, and H. Sulaymon. By
comparing their approaches with that of Saidbek Hasanov, it was concluded that Hasanov’s
concept of a “creative approach” holds a prominent and distinctive place in the study of
Babur’s works.
Research Methodology.
The primary methodological approach employed in this study is the creative-textological
method, developed and practically tested by Saidbek Hasanov. This approach is based on
principles that emphasize both scholarly rigor and creative interpretation. The following
methods and approaches were selected as key criteria in the research:
Critical textual analysis method.
The existing manuscripts and published editions of
Boburnoma—including copies preserved in India and Turkey—were compared, and the
versions selected by Hasanov were evaluated for their scholarly validity. Lexical, phonetic,
and stylistic differences within the texts were supplemented with detailed commentary and
explanations.
Contextual Analysis Approach.
The study examined how the historical, cultural, and
religious terms used in Babur’s works should be interpreted by the modern reader. In doing
so, Saidbek Hasanov’s approach to the contemporary interpretation of classical texts was
taken as a foundational framework.
Literary-Aesthetic Analysis.
A deep analysis was conducted on the poetic structure, imagery,
and stylistic uniqueness of Babur’s ghazals, rubaiyats, and prose passages. The philosophical
layers of the poems were uncovered by exploring the ideas, human values, and ethical
viewpoints expressed by the poet through his lyrical persona.
Presentation and Commentary Method.
Throughout the research, specific lines and
expressions from the text were presented with explanatory commentary, revealing how
Babur’s worldview can offer relevant insights for the modern individual.
These methodological approaches contributed to a deeper understanding of Babur’s legacy
not only from a literary perspective but also within philosophical, historical, and
contemporary contexts. Furthermore, the study demonstrated how Babur’s works can be
interpreted and appreciated by today’s readers in a practical and meaningful way.
Saidbek Hasanov (1945–2019) was one of the prominent scholars in the fields of Uzbek
literary studies and textual criticism. He dedicated his entire academic career to the study of
Babur’s creative legacy. Notably, he defended his candidate’s dissertation in 1972 on the topic
“Babur’s Treatise on Aruz”, and he prepared for publication several rare works attributed to
Babur, including Aruz, Volidiyya, and Mukhtasar. One of Hasanov’s most significant
contributions related to Boburnoma was his preparation of the scholarly-critical text, where
he adopted a creative approach to the manuscript. [1, p. 65] He analyzed the text not only
from phonetic or morphological perspectives but also in terms of the author’s style, aesthetic
vision, and philosophical worldview. The essence of the “creative approach” lies in viewing
the text not merely as a “source,” but as an artistic world that reveals hidden meanings.
Saidbek Hasanov remained faithful to this principle in his work on Boburnoma. [1, p. 67] He
paid special attention to the following aspects:
1. Revealing the Uniqueness of Babur’s Style: Hasanov analyzed the harmony between Babur’s
prose and poetic language, his method of creating imagery characteristic of his era, and his
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use of figurative devices. He studied in depth the liveliness of Babur’s language, its lexical
richness, and stylistic diversity. [2, p. 45]
2. Harmony of Historical and Artistic Layers: Although Boburnoma is a historical work, it
contains lyrical digressions, philosophical reflections, and emotional descriptions. Saidbek
Hasanov identified these aspects and presented them as part of the work’s artistic and
aesthetic structure.
3. Modern Interpretation of the Text: Hasanov sought to present Babur’s works in a way that
would be understandable and engaging for today’s readers. He compared archaic forms of the
text with modern Uzbek language and enhanced contextual understanding through
explanatory commentary. [3, p. 45]
Approach to Preparing the Scholarly-Critical Text. In preparing the scholarly-critical edition of
Boburnoma, Saidbek Hasanov implemented the following stages:
Manuscript Comparison: He compared all major existing manuscripts (such as those
preserved in India and Turkey), striving to select the version that was closest to the author’s
original intent.
Variant Explanation: Hasanov provided interpretations for each textual variant, explaining
their semantic and stylistic nuances, and clarifying the rationale behind his editorial choices
for the reader.
Annotations and Commentary: Detailed explanations were provided for historical, religious,
and cultural terms, as well as for personal names, place names, and events within the text.
This made the work accessible not only to philologists but also to a wider audience of readers.
Respect and Loyalty to Babur’s Legacy: in his work, Hasanov maintained not only scholarly
precision but also an aesthetic and ethical approach. He treated Babur’s personality and
literary heritage with deep respect. This is particularly evident in his collected essays titled
"Babur’s Literary Legacy". Hasanov portrayed Babur not merely as a historian or poet but as a
complex and multifaceted figure—a statesman, philosopher, patron of the arts, and
intellectual. The renowned Uzbek poet, and esteemed supporter of science, art, and literature,
Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, in the span of only 47 years, left behind a rich literary and
scholarly legacy. His famed Boburnoma is recognized worldwide, alongside his original and
beautiful lyrical works, treatises on musicology, prosody, the science of aruz, and military arts.
[4, p. 132]
Babur’s poetic legacy is multifaceted and rich. His poems reflect, in a realistic manner, the
historical events of his time, his personal life, surroundings, views on humanity, religion,
customs, and moral values.
His poetry can be described as a lyrical autobiography, in which the poet sincerely expresses
his deep emotions in a lyrical tone and masterfully portrays the feelings that emerged when
he faced life’s complex trials. [5, p. 167]
The core of Babur’s literary work consists of lyrical poems centered on love. One of the key
aspects of his work is the celebration of genuine, earthly, and realistic love as a fundamental
human value. His lyrical style is deeply inspired by the creative legacy of Alisher Navoi. In his
ghazals and rubaiyat, Babur addresses themes such as love, friendship, and the pursuit of
beauty—central elements of human relationships. He glorifies earthly love as one of the
highest human virtues.
The poet states that he is ready to endure any hardship on the path to meeting his beloved. He
cannot imagine life without being united
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with the one he loves. [10, p. 287]
Babur exalts love wholeheartedly and with sincerity. For him, love symbolizes loyalty,
devotion, high morality, and humanity. He elevates this emotion above wealth, social status,
and all worldly pleasures. In his refined ghazals, Babur creates the image of an ideal beloved,
characterized by extraordinary external beauty, a rich inner world, and spiritual perfection. In
this process, he skillfully employs unique and original artistic devices. In the following lines,
Babur expresses his willingness to sacrifice his life for love, conveying this sentiment with
heartfelt intensity, powerful dramatism, and vivid imagery. A moving excerpt from these
inspirational verses reads: [9, p. 118]
If the moon-faced one is absent, even the light of the sun is darkened;
Even sugar loses its sweetness — without her, there is no delight.
If the rose-faced one from Nafas is gone, the spear of her lashes pierces my heart;
If that flower-faced beauty is absent, even flowers are colorless, and fragrance fades.
What use is there in separation? I long only to be in her presence;
Why should I desire gardens or dwellings in other lands?
Let them take my head for her sake, O Babur, accept it with grace —
But to sever the heart from the heart — that is an agony beyond pain!
Translate:
Oychehra yo‘q bo‘lsa, quyosh nuri ham qorong‘i,
Shirin emas shakar ham — u bo‘lmasa, shirinlik yo‘q.
Nofasdan kelgan gulsifat yo‘qsa — kiprik nayzasi qalbimni teshib o‘tadi,
U gulchehra yo‘q bo‘lsa, gul ham rangsiz, bo‘y bo‘lmaydi dog‘roq.
Men ne qilayin hijronda? Uning huzurida bo‘lishni istayman,
Nega menga boshqa diyordagi bog‘lar, boshpanalar kerak bo‘lsin?
U yo‘lida boshni olishsin, ey Bobur, rozi bo‘l,
Ammo yurak — yurakdan ayri bo‘lish mumkin emas, uni uzmoq og‘ir--og‘riq!
(Tarjimasi: R. D. Moran)
These verses reveal the depth of Babur’s loyalty and devotion in the path of love. For the poet,
the beloved’s radiance — even a single smile — is equivalent to the entire universe. Here is a
poetic-academic English translation of the excerpt:
I need my beloved — delicate as flesh, full of tenderness,
As vital as the sun — the light that illuminates my heart.
No sacred altar do I seek for prostration,
But brows adorned with kohl — beauty’s shrine — that is my place of worship.
O heart, bid farewell to reason — such is the path of love,
If she is your desire, you must forsake
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all else.
Whoever bows at her feet may touch her lips —
Even if the eternal resting place lies in the grave.
What matters if the world turns against you, O Babur?
You need but one thing — the beloved’s radiance, a single smile.
Translate:
Go‘zalim kerak menga — go‘shtidek nozik, mehrga to‘la,
Go‘yo quyosh — yuragimni yoritgan nurdek zarur.
Sajdagoh emas menga muqaddas mihrab,
Kerak — husnga surma tortilgan qosh — sajda joyi dur.
Ey yurak, xayrlash boshing bilan — muhabbat yo‘li shunday,
Agar u kerak bo‘lsa — har narsadan kechishing lozim dur.
Har kim bosh egsa oyog‘iga, yetadi lablari —
Agar abadiy orom maskani — qabriston bo‘lsa dur.
Nima bo‘pti, agar dunyo senga dushman bo‘lsa, Bobur?
Senga kerak faqat bir narsa — yor jilvasi, bir tabassum dur.
(Tarjimasi: R. D. Moran)
These verses vividly demonstrate the depth, emotional richness, and realism of Babur’s lyrical
poetry. Through love, he expresses profound themes of humanity, loyalty, and moral
perfection. In Babur’s poetry, issues of ethical behavior and spiritual growth hold a prominent
place. The poet exalts the human being, approaching individuals with deep respect and
emphasizing the value of human dignity. He rejects all vices contrary to these ideals.
According to Babur, self-centeredness, arrogance, greed, and ambition are destructive traits
that lead individuals to ruin. [8, p. 97]
In his rubaiyat, Babur offers sincere counsel to people. He believes that one must cultivate the
highest moral qualities within oneself. In addressing this theme, Babur considers the primary
purpose of human life to be doing good, demonstrating generosity, nobility, and honesty. He
views friendship as one of the greatest virtues of humanity and a powerful force in resisting
enmity. [6, p. 123]
Conclusion
Saidbek Hasanov’s creative approach to the text of the Baburnama marked a new phase in
Uzbek textual scholarship. In his analysis of the text, he integrated literary-aesthetic, cultural,
historical, and linguistic elements in a harmonious manner. This contributed to a deeper
understanding of Babur’s works and helped bring them closer to the modern reader. Even
today, Hasanov’s consistent and unconventional methodology remains relevant in
interpreting the Baburnama. Thanks to his efforts, Babur’s legacy has not only been preserved
but also rediscovered by a new generation.
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The melancholic tones, philosophical reflections, and passionate perceptions of beauty and
love in Babur’s poetry are illuminated by Hasanov through an aesthetic and philosophical lens,
guiding readers into the poet’s inner world of emotions. Research confirms that the
Baburnama is not only a historical document but also a valuable source of insight for
contemporary thought.
Thus, it can be stated that Saidbek Hasanov’s scholarly legacy and his research devoted to
Babur’s work make a significant contribution to the development of Uzbek textual criticism.
There is no doubt that future studies in this field will continue to build upon the solid
scholarly foundation he established.
References:
1.
Babur, Z.M.
Baburnama
/ Edited by N. Muzaffarov et al. – Tashkent: Gafur Ghulam
Publishing House of Literature and Art, 2012.
2.
Hasanov, S.
Babur’s Treatise on Aruz
– Tashkent: Science, 2006.
3.
Hasanov, S.
Text and Interpretation: Foundations of a Creative Approach
– Tashkent:
Science, 2010.
4.
Hayitmetov, A.
History of Uzbek Literature
– Tashkent: Teacher, 1991.
5.
Ghulam, G.
About the Baburnama
// G. Ghulam.
Literary Criticism Articles
– Tashkent:
Science, 1969.
6.
Sulton, H.
The Artistic World of Babur’s Lyrics
– Tashkent: Science, 1998.
7.
Aliev, B.
Baburnama: Text and History
– Tashkent: Akademnashr, 2014.
8.
Shukurillaev, A.
Poetics of Babur’s Works
– Karshi: Nasaf, 2020.
9.
Qosimov, B.
History of Uzbek Literature: Theoretical and Practical Issues
– Tashkent:
New Century Generation, 2007.
10.
Zohidov, A.
Eastern Literary Heritage and Babur
– Tashkent: Literature and Art, [no
year specified].
