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STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF LITERARY RIDDLES IN UZBEK LITERATURE
Mulloqulova Zebiniso Shavkat kizi
Bukhara State University
Department of Uzbek Language and Literature 1st-Year Doctoral Candidate
Abstract:
This article discusses the origin, development, and place of literary riddles in Uzbek
literature, their historical naming, their role in the work of creators, their periodic stages, and
their development. Literary riddles, alongside written literature, have become artistically
enriched, deeply meaningful works that encompass various themes.
Keywords:
Literary riddles, folk oral literature, periodic stages, artistic expression, symbolism,
history of literature, chiston, development, folk oral literature, written literature.
Introduction:
Riddles are among the oldest genres in human culture. They are unique examples of folk oral
literature that have been passed down from generation to generation over the centuries. Literary
riddles are a more developed form of these traditional riddles, having evolved into a part of
artistic literature. They are a significant component not only of folk oral literature but also of
written literature. The origin of riddles dates back to the earliest periods of humanity. Initially,
they appeared as a means to explain life events, natural phenomena, and objects in the
environment, as well as a tool for educating children and developing their thinking abilities. One
well-known riddle goes: “The tailor sews a coat but remains naked.” This riddle was known to
Nasiriddin Burhoniddin's son, Rabg‘uzi, as well. In his work Qisasi Rabg‘uzi (1309-1310), we
read the following: "The coat is sewn with needles, yet remains naked." [2, 92-b]. The poet has
clarified this idea in a poetic form:
"Needles sew, dress others,
Yet it remains naked always.
The lamp shares its light,
Gives light to others, but burns itself."
[2, 92-b]
As emphasized, the riddle about the needle closely aligns with Rabg‘uzi’s knowledge both in
terms of thought and imagery. This suggests that the riddle was already present in the 14th
century and captured Rabg‘uzi’s interest, leading him to incorporate it into his work to
strengthen its folk element and enhance its ideological content.
The Influence of Folklore on Classical Literature:
In the works of Turkish poets such as Nizami Ganjavi, Sayfi Saroyi, Haydar Khwarazmi, Alisher
Navoi, and Babur, elements of folklore play a major role. These poets creatively employed
folklore, thus enhancing the folk nature of their works. In classical Uzbek literature, we can trace
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ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 03,2025
Journal:
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numerous examples of riddles, proverbs, tales, legends, and other genres that demonstrate the
influence of folklore.
Alisher Navoi, whose immortal works have left an indelible mark on Uzbek literature, also
incorporates chiston (a form of poetic riddle) in his creations. Chiston, originating in Persian-
Tajik literature, was present in Turkish literature several centuries earlier. The term "chiston" is
derived from the words "chist" (meaning “what”) and “on” (meaning “it”). The chiston genre is
not limited in length but typically consists of one or two verses. Navoi used ten examples of
chiston in his work. Examples include “Pen”, “Coin”, “Arrow”, “Pomegranate”, “Egg”, “Razor”,
and “Moth”. According to sources, Uvaysiy also created over fifty chiston pieces, with examples
such as “Pomegranate”, “Night and Day”, “Walnut”, “Scissors”, and “Sleep”. It is noteworthy
that Navoi used “Pomegranate” and “Scissors” from Uvaysiy’s chiston, demonstrating their
interconnection.
Modern Trends in the 20th Century:
By the end of the 20th century, significant changes in form and content occurred in children's
folklore. Genres such as fairy tales, songs, and riddles became more stylized and began
transitioning into written literary forms. Writers and poets began creating contemporary fairy
tales and riddles based on modern themes.
Riddles have greatly impacted the development of literature and art. They have played an
essential role in the emergence and growth of lyrical genres such as chiston, muammo (riddle),
muvashshah (lyrical poem), ta’rix (historical narrative), and others. Through riddles, people
sought to understand the essence, characteristics, and relationships of objects and events. As
mentioned earlier, riddles have exerted a significant influence on written literature, contributing
to the development of various genres such as chiston, muammo, ta’rix, and muvashshah, and in
the 20th century, riddles became firmly established in Uzbek children's poetry.
In this genre, poets like Gafur Ghulom, Shukur Sa’dulla, Ilyos Muslim, Adham Rahmat, Po‘lat
Mo‘min, Safar Barnoev, Tursunboy Adashboev, Rauf Tolib, and S. G‘afurov have continued the
tradition. Particularly noteworthy is the work of the great children's poet Quddus Muhammadiy,
who used the form of riddle poetry to creatively address moral and educational themes. His
poems such as "Guess, please?", "Whizz-whizz", "Think of it", and "Guess this, children, don't
tell your mothers" employ traditional elements of folk riddles, while in his work Militsioner
amakim (My Policeman Uncle), he describes the characteristics of police officers in riddle form,
using their profession to convey deeper meanings and honor their roles. [1, 839]
Thus, each stanza of this poem serves as a riddle, and when combined, they form a cohesive
poetic idea. Each stanza describes a specific virtue of the public guardians, but the identity of the
described person remains a mystery until the end. This innovative use of the riddle genre in the
composition reflects the creative potential of literary riddles, as poets creatively employ them in
modern works to educate and entertain.
Conclusion:
Literary riddles have played a profound role in both written and oral literature, enriching cultural
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ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 03,2025
Journal:
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heritage. Poets such as Gafur Ghulom and Shukur Sa’dulla have continued the tradition,
incorporating riddles into children's literature. Particularly noteworthy is the contribution of poet
Quddus Muhammadiy, who used the riddle form to convey educational, moral, and philosophical
ideas.
As O. Safarov notes, "Although literary riddles are brief, clear, and symbolic, they possess
significant intellectual and artistic value, requiring great skill, knowledge, and creativity to
craft." The genre of literary riddles continues to serve as an important tool in shaping the
education and artistic growth of future generations.
References:
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