Volume 15 Issue 07, July 2025
Impact factor: 2019: 4.679 2020: 5.015 2021: 5.436, 2022: 5.242, 2023:
6.995, 2024 7.75
http://www.internationaljournal.co.in/index.php/jasass
46
THE IMAGE OF WOMEN IN UZBEK LITERATURE
Qayumova Gulasal
Teacher at the Faculty
of Languages, Shahrisabz State Pedagogical Institute
Yangiboyeva Mukhlisa
Student of the Uzbek Language and Literature Department,
Faculty of Philology, Shahrisabz State Pedagogical Institute
Annotation:
This article highlights the portrayal of the female image in modern Uzbek literature
as embodied in characters who represent global and national values, and who have been
spiritually and psychologically renewed. The female figure is recognized as a key category in
literary works, manifested through its aesthetic expressiveness and life-giving qualities. The
article analyzes female images in literary works, their specific characteristics, and also reflects
the author's attitude. The importance and role of female characters in literature are widely
highlighted through the analysis of various works.
Keywords:
woman, mother, image, genesis, gradual development, fiction, female character,
national value, aesthetic expressiveness, life-giving quality, literary analysis, modern literature,
spiritual renewal, psychological change, artistic symbol, gender issue, female figure, social role
of women, literature and society, matriarchal traditions, female psychology
.
Literature is a reflection of society. It is considered a powerful tool that expresses changes in the
human psyche, values shaped by the social environment, and the philosophy of life in an artistic
form. An artist understands the world and expresses his emotional attitude through artistic
images. In this sense, the image is a form of thinking in literature and art, and imagery forms a
way of thinking inherent in literature and art - "figurative thinking".
The image of a woman occupies a special place in literature. A woman - as a mother, a source of
inspiration, a symbol of life-giving power - is uniquely interpreted in fiction. The portrayal of
female characters reflects the aesthetic and spiritual views of society. Human thought has not
depicted love in relation to gender, but rather has shown it as a symbol of purity and spiritual
elevation.
1. The history and stages of formation of the female image. The image of a woman dates back to
the most ancient stages of folklore. This is especially evident in religious legends. In the pre-
Islamic period, images of fairies and old women are found, while under the influence of Islam,
the greatest figure is recognized as a woman, that is, a mother. That is why they say that paradise
is under the feet of mothers.
The topic of women has always been considered an important issue. Because since the beginning
of human history, mothers have brought children into the world and introduced them to the
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Impact factor: 2019: 4.679 2020: 5.015 2021: 5.436, 2022: 5.242, 2023:
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environment. Therefore, in most wisdoms and legends, women are depicted as central figures.
One of the most ancient female figures is considered to be Umay Ana, as well as Momo Havo
(Eve). Umay Ana is recognized as the mother and creator of ancient Turkic peoples. Mahmud
Kashgari, in his work "Divanu Lugatit Turk", describes Umay as a force that always
accompanies children.
The image of a woman occupies an important place in every genre of folklore. In fairy tales, the
female character is portrayed as a kind mother or a cunning woman. In epics, women are
depicted as symbols of courage and loyalty. For example, the images of Barchinoy and
Qaldirgochoyim in the Alpomish epic are vivid examples of this. Barchinoy, as an alpine girl,
fights for loyalty and on behalf of her people and country. Qaldirgochoyim is embodied as a
symbol of courage and commitment to her word.
2. The image of a woman in Uzbek written literature. The first scientific study dedicated to the
image of a woman in Uzbek literary criticism began with Maqsud Shaykhzoda's article "The
Image of a Woman in Navoi's Work." It combines physical, social, and intellectual qualities in
the images of Shirin, Mehinbonu, Layli, Dilorom, and Ravshanak.
In her study "Female Characters in the Khamsa," Sh. Abdullaeva focused on the limitations of
women's rights in the feudal system through the female figures in Alisher Navoi's works.
In the history of literature, the image of a woman has gone through various stages. Initially, she
was depicted as a mother, an expression of love and devotion, but later she rose to the level of a
socially active woman, a heroine with a complex spiritual world.
3. The image of a woman in modern Uzbek literature. In modern Uzbek literature, the image of
a woman has become even more complex. Now she is embodied not only as a mother or a
faithful lover, but also as a socially active person. For example, female characters such as
Nozima, Munisa, and Oysuluv in A. Yuldosh's works have different lifestyles and seek their own
path in life.X. Doʻstmuhammadning “Chayongul”, A. Yoʻldoshning “O‘n uchinchi uy”, Sh.
Bo‘taevning “Shohona sovg‘a” asarlarida esa jinoyatga qo‘l urgan ayollar taqdiri tasvirlangan.
In Uzbek storytelling, the image of a woman is interpreted in connection with the Surah "Nisa"
in the Holy Quran. The spiritual world and rights of women are increasingly highlighted in
Uzbek literature.
In Uzbek literature, the image of a woman is further developed aesthetically and philosophically,
revealing its complex character. She is no longer just a symbol of traditional values, but also an
active participant in social changes, a force influencing the development of society. Through
female images, literature reflects a person's inner experiences, dreams, aspirations, views on life,
and fighting spirit.
The importance of the image of a woman in literature is that it embodies the deepest feelings of
humanity, the life-giving power, and the processes of spiritual renewal. She is portrayed not only
within the framework of family and everyday life, but also as an active person in the political,
scientific, and cultural fields. Therefore, the analysis of female characters in literature is
Volume 15 Issue 07, July 2025
Impact factor: 2019: 4.679 2020: 5.015 2021: 5.436, 2022: 5.242, 2023:
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important not only in studying the artistic process, but also in understanding national and
universal values, and in researching the human psyche. Through the image of a woman, literature
expresses the socio-spiritual state of society and its changes on the path of development.
References:
1. Yakubov I. Poetics of Uzbek novels of the period of independence. Philol. fan.d-ri... diss. –
Tashkent. 2018. – B. 281–293.
2. Eshmatov.B. Artistic interpretation of the female psyche in Uzbek storytelling of the period
of independence. Phil. fan. nomz...diss. — Tashkent, 2020. — 167 b.
3. Eshmatova Y.B. Artistic interpretation of the female psyche in Uzbek storytelling of the
period of independence. Phil. fan. nomz...diss. — Tashkent, 2020. — 167 b.
4. Shaykhzoda M. The image of a woman in Navoi's work. – Tashkent, Adabiyot va san’at,
1972. – B..
