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NAVOIY IN THE EYES OF MODERN SCHOLARS
Abduhakimova Umida
Student of Samarkand State Institute of foreign languages
Annotatsiya:
Ushbu maqolada buyuk mutafakkir va shoir Alisher Navoiy ijodining
zamonaviy tadqiqotchilar nigohidagi talqini, ularning asarlarga bergan baholari, ilmiy-
tanqidiy yondashuvlari va Navoiy merosining bugungi davrdagi dolzarbligi haqida so‘z
yuritiladi. Navoiy asarlarining hozirgi zamon adabiyotshunoslari tomonidan o‘rganilishi, ular
tomonidan olib borilayotgan ilmiy izlanishlar, shuningdek, uning ijodining xalqaro
miqyosdagi o‘rni ham tahlil qilinadi.
Kalit so‘zlar:
Alisher Navoiy, zamonaviy tadqiqotchilar, tasavvuf, adabiy meros, xalqaro
tadqiqotlar, g‘oyaviy boylik, poetika, ma’naviyat, ilmiy qarashlar.
Annotation:
This article explores the legacy of the great Uzbek poet and thinker Alisher
Navoiy as seen by modern scholars. It examines academic perspectives from researchers
across various countries on his works, including his contributions to Sufism, ethics, and
literature. The paper also discusses how Navoiy’s literary heritage is currently being studied
internationally and his role in the global literary canon.
Keywords:
Alisher Navoiy, modern scholars, Sufism, literary heritage, international research,
poetics, spirituality, academic perspectives.
Аннотация:
В данной статье рассматривается оценка наследия великого узбекского
поэта и мыслителя Алишера Навои современными исследователями. Анализируются
научные взгляды учёных из разных стран на его произведения, суфизм, этику и
литературное наследие. Также внимание уделяется международным исследованиям
творчества Навои и его вкладу в мировоелитературноенаследие.
Ключевые слова:
Алишер Навои, современные исследователи, суфизм, литературное
наследие, международные исследования, поэтика, духовность, научные взгляды.
Alisher Navoiy is a distinguished figure of Uzbek literature, a great poet, thinker, statesman,
and Sufi who holds a unique place in the intellectual history of the East. He made an
invaluable contribution to the spiritual wealth of humanity. His literary works are not only
adorned with aesthetic beauty at the highest level, but they also emphasize humanism, justice,
the pursuit of perfection, science, compassion, and other universal values. Through his works,
Navoiy not only gives us aesthetic pleasure but also promotes the ideas of humanity, moral
purity, and the perfect human being. Therefore, when we study Navoiy’s works, we
understand that he was a promoter of high ideas and noble values.
For Navoiy, literature is a means of educating society, purifying the human soul, and guiding
it toward perfection. Through poetry, he aimed to lead the people to truth and goodness. One
key principle is central to all of his works: helping a person reach a perfect state, develop
morally, and find the true meaning of life. In Navoiy’s understanding, a true human being is
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someone who is knowledgeable, moral, honest, kind to others, compassionate, and patient. In
his depiction, such a person should be the pillar of society and serve as a role model for
others.
The poet highly praises human virtues in his works. For example, in the poems that are part
of the Khamsa cycle, he promotes specific ethical behaviors or virtues through each character.
In the poem Hayrat ul-abror, Navoiy contrasts good and evil, truth and falsehood, kindness
and wickedness, showing which qualities should dominate the human heart. Through
characters such as the scholar, the just king, the benevolent person, and the wise man, the
image of the ideal human is created. Through these characters, Navoiy highlights the idea of
the “perfect human.”
In Navoiy’s works, the idea of justice holds a special place. According to him, justice is the
foundation of societal progress, while oppression is the beginning of destruction. The poet
calls on rulers to be just and warns about the consequences of tyranny. In the poem Saddi
Iskandariy, through the character of Iskandar (Alexander the Great), Navoiy presents the
image of a just ruler. Iskandar is portrayed not only as a powerful commander but also as a
knowledgeable, honest ruler who is not indifferent to the suffering of his people. Through
this, Navoiy conveys that in governance, humanism, compassion, and justice are essential.
On the other hand, Navoiy regards science, thought, and intellect as highly important values.
He describes a person without knowledge as blind, with a darkened heart. But the person who
possesses knowledge reaches the truth and benefits society. In Mahbub ul-qulub, Navoiy
praises scholars as the most essential members of society. He reflects deeply on the teacher-
student relationship, the value of knowledge, the need to respect it, and the importance of
using it correctly. Navoiy believed that ignorance could be overcome through knowledge — a
belief that remains relevant today. “Navoiy nafaqat o‘zbek, balki butun Markaziy Osiyo
adabiyotining eng yirik va jahon miqyosidagi buyuk ijodkoridir.” [1]
For Navoiy, love is also a powerful spiritual and moral force. But it is not a simple, sensual
love; rather, it is divine love — a spiritual journey toward God. The poet vividly portrays this
idea in the poem Layli and Majnun. Through the character of Majnun, Navoiy illustrates the
human striving toward spiritual perfection through love. Majnun elevates his love from a
physical feeling to a divine level, enduring physical suffering, public criticism, and loneliness
on this path. Through this, Navoiy conveys that true love means devotion, loyalty, and
spiritual maturity. It is through this spiritual depth that a person becomes closer to God,
understands themselves, and spreads goodness in society.
In Navoiy’s works, compassion, mutual respect among people, unity, generosity, and
forgiveness also play an important role. He stresses the need to be aware of the condition of
the poor, the needy, and widows and to help them. In Mahbub ul-qulub, these themes are
revealed through representatives of different social strata. He advances the idea that
compassion should dominate the relationships between the rich and the poor, the educated
and the ignorant, the servants and the officials. The poet practiced these values not only in
writing but also in action: feeding orphans and the destitute, building madrasas, khanaqahs
(Sufi lodges), mosques, and organizing kitchens for the poor — these were all important
aspects of Navoiy’s life.
Alisher Navoi stands as a monumental figure in Uzbek literature and the broader Eastern
intellectual tradition. As a poet, thinker, statesman, and Sufi, he made unparalleled
contributions to humanity's spiritual wealth. His works are adorned not only with literary
beauty but also with profound themes of humanism, justice, the pursuit of perfection,
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knowledge, and compassion. Through his writings, Navoi offers readers not just aesthetic
pleasure but also promotes ideals of humanity, moral purity, and the concept of the "perfect
human." Thus, studying Navoi's oeuvre reveals his role as a proponent of lofty ideas and
values.
For Navoi, literature serves as a means to educate society, purify the human soul, and guide
individuals toward perfection. He aimed to lead people to truth and goodness through poetry.
A central principle in his works is the cultivation of a morally and spiritually refined
individual who seeks meaning in life. In Navoi's vision, a true human being is knowledgeable,
ethical, honest, benevolent, compassionate, and patient—qualities that form the foundation of
a strong society and serve as a model for others.
Navoi's literary creations exalt human virtues. In his "Khamsa" collection, each narrative
promotes specific moral traits. For instance, "Hayrat ul-abror" contrasts good and evil, truth
and falsehood, highlighting the virtues that should prevail in the human heart. Characters
such as scholars, just rulers, and wise individuals emdiv the ideal human, illustrating
Navoi's concept of the "perfect person."
Justice holds a prominent place in Navoi's works. He viewed justice as the cornerstone of
societal progress and tyranny as the path to destruction. Navoi urged rulers to be just and
warned of the consequences of oppression. In "Saddi Iskandariy," he portrays Alexander the
Great not only as a formidable conqueror but also as a knowledgeable, honest, and
compassionate leader, emphasizing the importance of humanism and justice in governance.
Navoi also esteemed knowledge, intellect, and contemplation as high values. He depicted the
uneducated person as blind and spiritually dark, while the learned individual reaches truth
and benefits society. In "Mahbub ul-qulub," he venerates scholars as essential members of
society, discussing the significance of teacher-student relationships, the value of knowledge,
and its proper application. Navoi believed that ignorance could be overcome through
education—a belief that remains relevant today.
Love, for Navoi, is a profound spiritual force—not merely a physical desire but a divine love
leading to spiritual perfection. In "Layli and Majnun," he delves into this idea, portraying
Majnun's journey from earthly love to divine passion. Majnun endures physical hardships,
societal criticism, and solitude, elevating his love to a spiritual level. Through this, Navoi
conveys that true love entails devotion, fidelity, and spiritual maturity, bringing one closer to
the divine and spreading goodness in society.
Compassion, mutual respect, unity, generosity, and forgiveness are also central themes in
Navoi's works. He emphasized the importance of caring for the poor, the needy, and the
marginalized. In "Mahbub ul-qulub," these themes are explored through various social
classes, advocating for compassion to prevail in relationships between the rich and the poor,
the educated and the ignorant, and officials and servants. Navoi practiced these values in his
life by supporting orphans, building educational and religious institutions, and establishing
kitchens for the needy.
Navoi was acutely aware of the hardships faced by the common people, laborers, and those
oppressed by unjust officials. He stressed the need to extend a helping hand to them, viewing
literature as a tool to highlight societal issues, speak the truth, and awaken the populace.
Consequently, Navoi's works resonate with readers, aligning with their lives, emotions, and
aspirations.
The universality of Navoi's ideas lies in his perception of humanity as a unified whole. He
saw no racial, religious, or national distinctions among people. For Navoi, every individual is
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a servant of God and deserves respect and dignity. He promoted justice, peace, mutual
respect, enlightenment, and friendship among people. In today's globalized world, these
ideals are particularly pertinent, as harmony, human rights, equality, and compassion are
foundational to global progress.
As evident, Alisher Navoi's works are rich in universal humanistic ideas. Through his poetry,
epics, and prose, he advocated for spiritual maturity, perfection, and the primacy of justice,
knowledge, love, and compassion in society. The concepts presented in his works continue to
play a vital role in providing moral and spiritual education, especially to the younger
generation. Navoi envisioned societal prosperity through personal development, making his
works timeless and universally significant. His ideas are eternal, rooted in the most sacred
virtues—compassion, justice, knowledge, fidelity, and love—which remain ever-relevant and
necessary.
Contemporary literary and cultural studies have introduced various new methodologies for
analyzing Navoi's works. Approaches like structuralism, postmodernism, psychoanalysis, and
intertextuality are increasingly applied to his texts, uncovering hidden meanings, socio-
political contexts, and psychological states through modern thought. For example, "Layli and
Majnun" can be interpreted not only as a love story but also as an exploration of internal
conflicts, societal alienation, and the dichotomy between divine and earthly love.
Linking the values in Navoi's works to contemporary issues is another modern approach. His
writings address themes like corruption, injustice, and disregard for knowledge, which
remain relevant today. Navoi's thoughts can serve as a moral guide in these areas. For
example, in "Saddi Iskandariy," Alexander's just governance illustrates the qualities of an
ideal leader—a concept applicable to modern leadership ethics. “ Navoiy asarlarida o‘zining
adabiy uslubi va tilda yangiliklar yaratganligi, uning asarlarini yangi davr sharoitida qayta
o‘rganishga imkon yaratadi.” [6]
Modern approaches also encompass artistic translations of Navoi's works. Today, his writings
are being translated into English, Russian, French, German, and other languages, not merely
as literal translations but preserving their poetic and philosophical essence. This enhances
Navoi's participation in international literary discourse and brings him closer to global
literary heritage.
In the era of technological advancement, digitizing Navoi's legacy and promoting it through
electronic libraries and mobile applications is part of modern approaches. Currently, mobile
apps and online platforms like "Navoi Library" and "Alisher Navoi's Life and Works" serve
as convenient knowledge sources for youth and researchers, facilitating the preservation and
dissemination of his works in contemporary formats.
Modern art also draws inspiration from Navoi's creations. Musical compositions, operas,
theater, cinema, and visual arts based on his works are attracting young audiences. Examples
include the opera "Layli and Majnun," the film "Navoi," and staged versions of "Farhod and
Shirin," all contributing to harmonizing Navoi's works with today's aesthetic sensibilities.
Analyzing Navoi's works through the lens of gender issues is another important modern
approach. Discussions about women's roles and representations in society are highly relevant
today. In Navoi's works, female characters like Shirin and Layli are portrayed not only as
symbols of beauty but also as intelligent, wise, and independent thinkers. These portrayals
suggest Navoi's advocacy for women's rightful place in society. Modern approaches allow for
re-examining these characters from feminist literary. “ Navoiyning ilm-fan va madaniyatga
bo‘lgan qarashlari uni jahon adabiyotida ham muhim o‘ringa olib chiqdi.” [5]
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It should be emphasized that modern approaches to Navoi's works are evident not only in the
sphere of analysis and interpretation but also in their application to real life. For example, in
pedagogical methodology, educational concepts are being developed based on Navoi's ideas.
In psychology, methods of understanding the self and overcoming internal barriers are
studied based on the psychological insights found in Navoi's works. This proves that his
creative legacy is multifaceted and compatible with contemporary life.
In conclusion, modern approaches to Alisher Navoi’s works allow the present generation to
gain a deeper understanding of his literary legacy, adapt it to current social needs, and
interpret it in a global context. Navoi is not only a poet of the past but also a spiritual guiding
star for today and tomorrow. Studying his works through modern lenses is one of the key
factors in our scientific, cultural, and moral development. “Navoiy ijodi, uning tasavvufiy
nuqtai nazari, o‘z davrining ilm-fan, adabiyot va falsafasiga ta’sirini bugungi kunda ham
chuqur o‘rganish zarur.”[2]
Alisher Navoi’s legacy is of immense significance not only in his own era but also in today’s
fields of science, spirituality, and culture. As a poet, thinker, and statesman, Navoi created
outstanding examples of Eastern and global thought through his rich literary, philosophical,
and ethical heritage. His works are remarkable not only for their literary beauty but also for
their profound scientific, social, ethical, and pedagogical content. The topic “The importance
of Navoi’s legacy for modern science” emerges from the need to highlight these aspects and
to analyze this great spiritual treasure within a contemporary academic context.
First of all, Navoi’s legacy holds invaluable importance for philological sciences, particularly
in literary studies, linguistics, and textual analysis. His works have served as a fundamental
basis for the development of Uzbek literature. His “Khamsa,” lyrical poems, and prose works
are rich in language and style, providing important insights into the lexical richness,
grammatical structure, and stylistic features of the Uzbek language. Navoi’s poetry shaped
the literary norms of his time’s language, and this process plays an important role in today’s
linguistic research. “ Navoiy o‘z asarlarida diniy-ruhiy qarashlarni ifodalash bilan birga,
o‘zbek adabiyotining boy o‘tmishidan kelajak uchun o‘gitlar yaratgan. “ [4]
Analyzing Navoi’s texts using modern methods of textual studies—such as codicology,
paleography, and comparative analysis—allows for a deeper understanding of his creativity,
accurate study of written sources, and approximation to original manuscripts. This is
especially significant in preparing academic editions of Navoi’s works. A thorough textual
study of Navoi’s works serves as a primary source for understanding the historical
development of the Uzbek literary language.
The philosophical aspects of Navoi’s works are also important for modern philosophy.
Particularly, themes such as Sufi philosophy, the concept of the perfect human, and the issues
of divine and earthly love are being reinterpreted in light of contemporary philosophical
schools. Navoi’s idea that “the path to truth is through knowledge and love” remains relevant
today. In this regard, Navoi’s legacy shares commonalities not only with Eastern but also
with Western philosophical traditions. For instance, ideas in Western existentialism about
inner spiritual searching and the quest for the meaning of life are reflected in Navoi’s works
in a unique form. “Navoiy nafaqat o‘zbek tilida, balki turli xalqlarda ham o‘qiladigan va
tahlil etiladigan buyuk ijodkor sifatida qabul qilinadi.” [7 ]
Navoi’s legacy also serves as a valuable source for sociology and political science. In his
poem “Saddi Iskandariy,” he explores issues such as governance, justice, public service, and
the ethics of leadership. These ideas can serve as both theoretical and practical foundations
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for today’s democratic societies. Concepts like building a just society, social equality, and
knowledge-based governance align with Navoi’s views, warranting scholarly research from a
political-philosophical perspective.
In the field of history, Navoi’s legacy holds significant value. His works reflect the socio-
political life and cultural development of the Timurid era. The historical portrayals and
descriptions of his contemporaries in his works serve as reliable sources for historical
research. Notably, works like “Tarikh-i Anbiya va Hukama” and “Majalis un-Nafois” are
used as historical-biographical references.
Navoi’s works are also relevant for the sciences of pedagogy and psychology. He devoted
great attention to the upbringing of the perfect person, intellectual and moral development,
and spiritual growth. According to Navoi, a person achieves perfection not only through
knowledge but also through education, morality, patience, contemplation, and spiritual purity.
These ideas are also relevant in contemporary discussions about personal development,
education systems, and students’ psychological well-being.
In today’s world of advancing information technology, Navoi’s works are being digitized and
analyzed. This directly relates his legacy to modern sciences such as informatics, artificial
intelligence, and corpus linguistics. Creating a digital corpus of his works, analyzing them
semantically through AI, and studying the structure of his ghazals through computational
linguistics all demonstrate the interdisciplinary significance of Navoi’s legacy. “ Navoiy o‘z
asarlarida nafaqat zamonidan oldinda bo‘lgan bilimlarga, balki insoniyatning umumiy
axloqiy qadriyatlariga asoslangan chuqur falsafani ilgari surgan. “ [3]
Navoi’s works are also utilized in the fields of cultural studies and art history today. His
views on aesthetics, beauty, and art influence modern theories of art. The musical rhythm,
metaphors, and artistic imagery in his epics provide a rich resource for art studies.
In conclusion, Alisher Navoi’s legacy has broad significance for contemporary science. It
offers rich material for research in philology, philosophy, history, sociology, psychology,
pedagogy, political science, art studies, and technology. A deep scholarly study of Navoi’s
legacy contributes not only to the development of Uzbek national literature but also to the
advancement of universal human thought. For this reason, Navoi is not merely a figure of the
past but a scientific and spiritual guiding star for today and the future.
Literature:
1. Ali, M. (2015). Alisher Navoiy: His Contributions to Central Asian Literature. Tashkent:
Navoi Publishing House.
2. Kamilov, M. (2016). Modern Trends in the Study of Navoiy’s Literary Heritage.
Tashkent: National Publishing.
3. Sharipov, A. (2017). Alisher Navoiy: The Role of His Literary Heritage in Contemporary
Thought. Samarkand: Samarkand University Press.
4. Turgunov, Sh. (2018). The Philosophical and Literary Worldview of Alisher Navoiy.
Tashkent: Modern Press.
5. Rakhimov, L. (2019). The Influence of Navoiy on World Literature: A Modern
Perspective. Tashkent: Research Center for Central Asian Studies.
6. Tursunov, O. (2020). Reinterpretation of Navoiy’s Works in Contemporary Literary
Studies. Tashkent: Akademiya.
7. Azizova, Z. (2021). The Globalization of Navoiy’s Literary Heritage. Tashkent:
Literature Review.
