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THE CULTURE OF NEIGHBORLINESS IN THE SOCIAL AND POETIC CONTEXT
OF UZBEK LITERATURE
Scientific supervisor: O'rayeva Darmonoy Saidaxmedovna
Doctor of Philology DSc, Professor
Xaydarova Nargiza G'ulomjonovna
English language teacher, "PROFI UNIVERSITY" Navoi branch
E-mail:
Annotation.
This article explores the culture of neighborliness within Uzbek society,
emphasizing its significance both as a social practice and a recurring theme in Uzbek literature.
It examines how neighborliness, rooted in historical and communal traditions, functions as a
moral and ethical value that fosters social cohesion. The study highlights the reflection of these
values in classical and modern Uzbek poetry and prose, with special attention to figures like
Alisher Navoi and the rich oral folklore. The article illustrates how Uzbek literature not only
preserves but also reinterprets the ideals of mutual respect, empathy, and solidarity, revealing
their continued relevance in contemporary social contexts.
Keywords:
Uzbek literature, social values, Uzbek poetry, cultural traditions, community
solidarity, oral folklore, social cohesion, central Asian culture.
Introduction.
Neighborliness—marked by mutual respect, support, and a sense of communal
responsibility—holds a central place in the social fabric of Uzbek society. Rooted in centuries of
shared history, collective living, and cultural traditions, this value transcends mere etiquette to
become a fundamental pillar of social cohesion. In Uzbekistan, where communities have long
relied on interdependence in the face of geographic and climatic challenges, neighborliness is
more than a habit; it is a deeply embedded cultural ethos that shapes personal relationships and
communal identity. This ethos of neighborliness is vividly reflected and preserved in Uzbek
literature, which serves as both a mirror and a mold for social values. From the rich oral
traditions and folk poetry passed down through generations to the sophisticated classical works
of renowned poets like Alisher Navoi and the narratives of contemporary Uzbek writers,
literature offers a unique lens through which to explore the cultural significance of
neighborliness. Uzbek poetry and prose do not merely celebrate the practical aspects of being a
good neighbor; they elevate it into a moral imperative and a poetic ideal, weaving it into the
broader themes of human empathy, social justice, and spiritual interconnectedness. In this article,
we will delve into the culture of neighborliness as it has evolved within Uzbek society,
examining its social roots and how it is articulated in the poetic and literary traditions of
Uzbekistan. By understanding how neighborliness functions both as a lived experience and a
literary motif, we gain insight into the enduring power of communal values in shaping the Uzbek
worldview and its cultural expression.
The culture of neighborliness in the social and poetic context of Uzbek literature.
Neighborliness is a deeply ingrained value in many cultures, but in Uzbek society, it carries a
particular significance, reflecting centuries of communal living and mutual respect shaped by
historical, social, and poetic traditions. The culture of neighborliness (or qoʻshnichilik in Uzbek)
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is not merely a social habit; it is a moral principle that permeates everyday interactions and is
vividly expressed in the rich tapestry of Uzbek literature. The geographic and social realities of
Central Asia have long fostered close-knit communities. Uzbek society traditionally revolves
around extended families, villages, and small towns where interdependence is essential for
survival, especially in harsher climates and agrarian settings. Neighborliness has historically
meant sharing resources, helping in times of hardship, and maintaining social harmony. This
social fabric is interwoven with concepts such as mehmondoʻstlik (hospitality) and yordam
(help), emphasizing generosity and solidarity. Uzbek communities often hold collective
celebrations and rituals, where the line between neighbor and family blurs, reinforcing the
importance of mutual care.
Uzbek literature, particularly its poetic heritage, offers a profound window into the cultural
significance of neighborliness. From the classical poets like Alisher Navoi to contemporary
voices, literature reflects and shapes social values, embedding neighborliness within moral and
ethical frameworks. Alisher Navoi, the 15th-century poet and philosopher, often extolled virtues
such as kindness, empathy, and social responsibility in his work. Though his poetry addresses
universal human values, it roots them firmly in the social realities of his time, emphasizing the
importance of supporting and understanding one’s neighbors as a cornerstone of a just society. In
folk poetry and oral traditions, the theme of neighborliness appears in the form of proverbs,
riddles, and songs that stress generosity and community ties. For instance, traditional proverbs
like “Qoʻshning yaxshi kuni senga ham yaxshi kun” (“Your neighbor’s good day is your good
day”) succinctly encapsulate the spirit of shared happiness and mutual support.
In contemporary Uzbek literature, the culture of neighborliness continues to evolve but remains a
vital theme. Modern writers explore neighborly relations in the context of urbanization,
migration, and the challenges of modern life, often reflecting on how traditional values adapt or
face challenges in changing social landscapes. Literary works today might address issues such as
social alienation, the loss of communal bonds, or the importance of reviving neighborly virtues
in a fast-paced, individualistic world. Through novels, short stories, and poetry, Uzbek authors
keep the conversation about neighborliness alive, urging readers to reflect on its relevance in the
21st century. The culture of neighborliness in Uzbek society is much more than a social custom;
it is a moral compass reflected deeply in the country’s literature. From the classical verses of
Alisher Navoi to the folk traditions and modern literary explorations, neighborliness embodies a
cherished ideal of mutual respect, empathy, and communal solidarity. In a world increasingly
marked by isolation and individualism, the Uzbek literary tradition reminds us that
neighborliness is not just a relic of the past but a living, breathing principle essential for
harmonious social life. Through poetry and prose, the Uzbek people continue to celebrate and
uphold this enduring cultural value, inspiring both their society and the wider world.
Analysis of Neighborliness in Uzbek Literature.
The culture of neighborliness is deeply
entrenched in Uzbek literary tradition, reflected through the moral values, social responsibilities,
and emotional bonds depicted in both classical and contemporary works. Uzbek literature has
served as a conduit for communicating and reinforcing the social ethic of mutual aid, hospitality,
and communal harmony, which are vital for sustaining social networks in traditional Central
Asian societies. At the forefront of classical Uzbek literature is Alisher Navoi (1441–1501),
regarded as the founder of Uzbek literary tradition and a major Sufi thinker. Navoi’s poetic
works often explore the ethical dimensions of human relationships, emphasizing compassion,
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justice, and neighborly love. His divan (collected poetry) is replete with calls for empathy and
social responsibility.
In his famous work,
“Khamsa”
(The Quintet), Navoi frequently underscores the
interconnectedness of individuals in society. For instance, in
“Farhod and Shirin,”
Navoi
explores themes of loyalty and sacrifice, which extend metaphorically to social relations beyond
family to neighbors and community members. Neighborliness here is not just a practical virtue
but a spiritual ideal tied to justice and human dignity. Navoi’s blending of Sufi mysticism with
social ethics suggests that kindness toward neighbors is part of a larger cosmic order. This
perspective positions neighborliness as a sacred duty, aligning with Sufi notions of insan-i kamil
(the perfected human), who embodies love and compassion for all beings. Beyond the classical
canon, Uzbek folk literature powerfully preserves neighborly values through proverbs, riddles,
and lyrical poetry. These oral traditions provide accessible moral instruction and reinforce social
cohesion. Proverbs such as:
“Qoʻshning yaxshi kuni senga ham yaxshi kun”
(“Your neighbor’s good day is your good
day”)
“Qoʻshning qismati – sening qismating”
(“Your neighbor’s fate is your fate”)
illustrate the shared fate and mutual wellbeing that neighborliness entails.
Folk songs and epics, often performed during communal celebrations and life-cycle rituals,
reinforce these ideals by celebrating collective joy, mutual aid, and the importance of social
harmony. This oral heritage maintains a social memory that valorizes neighborly solidarity as
essential for survival and prosperity, especially in rural and semi-nomadic communities.
Modern Uzbek literature, which has evolved under Soviet and post-Soviet influences, often
reflects the tensions between traditional values and contemporary social realities. Writers such as
Cholpon (Abdulhamid Sulaymon o‘g‘li Yunusov, 1893–1938) and Erkin Vohidov (1936–2016)
engage with the theme of neighborliness within the context of urbanization, social change, and
sometimes alienation. Cholpon’s poetry, for example, emphasizes social justice and communal
responsibility, echoing earlier traditions but situating them within modern struggles for equity
and human dignity. His poem
“City Streets”
reflects on the loss of warmth and neighborly care
in the impersonal urban environment, implicitly calling for a revival of communal bonds.
Similarly, Erkin Vohidov’s works often meditate on human connectedness and the need for
empathy amid social transformations. His poem
“Men vatanni sevaman”
(“I Love My
Homeland”) can be read as a call to cherish not only the land but also the human relationships—
family, neighbors, fellow citizens—that sustain the social fabric.
Literary reflections on neighborliness: themes and motifs
Across these diverse works, several key themes emerge:
Mutual support and hospitality: Whether in Alisher Navoi’s refined poetic imagery or
folk narratives, hospitality to neighbors is a sacred duty.
Shared fate and collective wellbeing: Uzbek literature frequently portrays neighborly
relations as a microcosm of societal harmony.
Moral and spiritual dimensions: Neighborliness is tied to concepts of justice, empathy,
and even spiritual perfection, transcending pragmatic considerations.
Social challenges and renewal: Modern authors explore the erosion and potential revival
of neighborly values amid rapid social change.
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Research methodology.
This study employs a qualitative research methodology, combining
literary analysis with cultural and sociological inquiry to explore the culture of neighborliness in
Uzbek literature. The methodology is designed to capture both the textual representation of
neighborliness and its socio-cultural implications within Uzbek society. The research begins with
an extensive review of primary and secondary sources. Primary sources include classical and
modern Uzbek literary texts—especially poetry and prose—that explicitly or implicitly reference
neighborly values. Key classical texts include the works of Alisher Navoi, while modern
literature encompasses writers such as Cholpon and Erkin Vohidov. Secondary sources involve
scholarly articles, critical essays, and ethnographic studies on Uzbek social customs, oral
traditions, and literary criticism.
This literature review establishes the theoretical framework for understanding neighborliness as
both a social practice and a literary motif.
Central to the methodology is close textual analysis of selected literary works. This involves:
Identifying passages and themes related to neighborliness, hospitality, and communal
responsibility.
Analyzing language, imagery, symbolism, and narrative structures that articulate these
themes.
Examining the interplay between moral, social, and spiritual dimensions in the texts.
Table 1. Analytical overview of neighborliness in Uzbek literature
Literary
Segment
Representative
Authors/Works
Themes Related to
Neighborliness
Literary
Forms
Social/Cultural
Context
Classical
Literature
Alisher
Navoi
(Khamsa, Farhod
and Shirin)
Compassion,
empathy,
social
justice, spiritual duty
Epic
poetry,
philosophical
poetry
Sufi
mysticism,
medieval
Central
Asian society
Folk Literature Anonymous; Oral
Proverbs and Songs
Mutual
aid,
hospitality,
shared
fate,
communal
harmony
Proverbs,
riddles, lyrical
songs
Rural communities,
nomadic traditions,
oral transmission
Soviet-Era
Literature
Cholpon
(City
Streets)
Social justice, loss of
neighborly warmth,
urban alienation
Modern poetry Rapid urbanization,
socialist realism
Contemporary
Literature
Erkin
Vohidov
(Men
vatanni
sevaman)
Empathy,
social
connectedness,
revival of communal
values
Poetry,
short
stories
Post-Soviet
transition,
modern
social challenges
The analysis pays particular attention to how neighborliness is portrayed across different
genres—classical epic poetry, folk proverbs, and modern poetry—and historical periods, thus
providing a diachronic perspective. To situate the literary findings within broader social realities,
the study incorporates a contextual analysis of Uzbek cultural norms and historical practices
related to neighborliness. This involves:
Reviewing ethnographic and sociological literature on Uzbek social organization,
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communal traditions, and hospitality.
Analyzing how historical factors such as Central Asia’s nomadic heritage, Islamic
influence, and Soviet-era transformations have shaped concepts of neighborliness.
By linking literary representations with lived cultural experiences, this step ensures an integrated
understanding of the topic.
The research employs a comparative approach by contrasting:
Classical and modern literary depictions of neighborliness to trace continuities and
changes over time.
Literary representations with actual social practices as documented in ethnographic
studies, to assess the alignment or divergence between idealized neighborliness and everyday
realities.
The study acknowledges limitations inherent in relying predominantly on literary texts and
secondary ethnographic sources, recognizing that direct fieldwork or interviews with
contemporary Uzbek communities could enrich understanding but fall outside this project’s
scope. Ethical considerations include respectful and accurate representation of Uzbek cultural
values and avoidance of stereotypes or overgeneralizations. This multi-layered qualitative
methodology—combining literature review, textual and cultural analysis, and comparative
perspectives—enables a comprehensive exploration of how neighborliness is both lived and
imagined in Uzbek literature, illuminating its enduring social and poetic significance.
Research discussion.
The exploration of neighborliness within Uzbek literature reveals a rich
and multifaceted cultural phenomenon that transcends simple social etiquette to emdiv a core
ethical and spiritual value. This discussion synthesizes findings from the literary and cultural
analyses, highlighting how neighborliness functions as both a lived social practice and a potent
literary motif throughout Uzbek history. The research confirms that neighborliness in Uzbek
culture is deeply embedded in social norms and moral expectations. Classical literature,
particularly the works of Alisher Navoi, elevates neighborly kindness to an ethical ideal, closely
linked to the Sufi concept of spiritual perfection. Navoi’s poetry reveals that neighborliness is
more than mutual aid; it is an expression of divine justice and human dignity. This aligns with
the traditional Central Asian emphasis on hospitality and communal responsibility as
foundational to social harmony. Folk literature complements this by preserving and
disseminating practical wisdom about neighborly relations in accessible and memorable forms.
Proverbs and songs encapsulate communal values, emphasizing that individual wellbeing is
inextricably tied to that of one’s neighbors. These oral traditions function as social tools,
teaching successive generations the importance of empathy, cooperation, and solidarity.
The research also illustrates how Uzbek literature reflects changing social realities. During the
Soviet period, the literature of writers like Cholpon reveals a tension between traditional
neighborliness and the challenges of urbanization and ideological transformation. Here,
neighborliness is portrayed as threatened by social alienation and loss of communal bonds,
signaling the impact of modernization and political upheaval on cultural values. In the post-
Soviet era, contemporary authors such as Erkin Vohidov revisit neighborliness with renewed
urgency, often framing it as essential for social revival and cohesion. This literary engagement
underscores the resilience of neighborly values and their adaptability in the face of rapid societal
changes, including globalization and individualism.
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The analysis suggests a dynamic interplay between literature and social practice in shaping the
culture of neighborliness. Literature does not merely reflect existing social customs; it actively
participates in constructing and negotiating the meaning of neighborliness. Through poetic
expression and narrative, literature both preserves traditional ideals and critiques contemporary
realities, thereby fostering a cultural dialogue about the relevance and application of neighborly
values. Moreover, the spiritual and ethical dimensions articulated in classical poetry provide a
normative framework that continues to influence modern social attitudes. The persistence of
neighborly themes across different literary periods suggests that Uzbek literature serves as a
repository of cultural memory and a catalyst for social ethics. While this study provides valuable
insights, it is limited by its reliance on textual sources and secondary ethnographic materials.
Future research could benefit from empirical fieldwork, including interviews and participant
observation within Uzbek communities, to better understand how literary ideals of
neighborliness translate into contemporary social behavior. Additionally, comparative studies
with other Central Asian literatures or with global literary traditions could further illuminate the
uniqueness and universality of neighborliness as a cultural and literary concept. The discussion
reveals that neighborliness in Uzbek literature is a complex, evolving ideal deeply intertwined
with social identity, ethical values, and spiritual beliefs. Literature not only reflects but also
shapes and sustains this culture, highlighting its enduring significance in both historical and
modern contexts. This interplay between text and tradition enriches our understanding of Uzbek
society and offers broader insights into the role of literature in nurturing communal values.
Conclusion.
The culture of neighborliness occupies a vital space in Uzbek society, emdiving
values of mutual respect, empathy, and communal solidarity that have been nurtured over
centuries. Through the lens of Uzbek literature—spanning classical poetry, folk traditions, and
modern writings—this culture reveals itself not only as a social practice but also as a profound
moral and spiritual ideal. Classical poets like Alisher Navoi articulate neighborliness as an
ethical imperative intertwined with justice and human dignity, while folk literature preserves its
practical and communal dimensions through accessible oral forms. Modern and contemporary
Uzbek writers reflect on the challenges and transformations this value faces in an era of
urbanization and social change, highlighting the ongoing relevance of neighborliness for social
cohesion. Overall, Uzbek literature serves as both a mirror and a guide, preserving cultural
memory and inspiring the revival of neighborly virtues amid evolving social landscapes. This
dynamic interplay between literature and lived experience underscores the enduring power of
neighborliness as a cornerstone of Uzbek cultural identity and as a universal human value.
References
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Navoi, Alisher.
Khamsa
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Azimova, Zilola.
Uzbek Folk Literature: Proverbs and Oral Tradition
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National Publishing House, 2010.
3.
Mukhtarov, Bakhtiyor. “Social Values and Ethics in the Poetry of Alisher Navoi.”
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4.
Abdullaev, Jamshid.
Modern Uzbek Poetry and the Social Question
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Vohidov, Erkin.
Selected Poems
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