Uzbek Literature
Uzbek literature developed on the base of rich folklore and oral traditions. Uzbek people transmitted orally legends based on heroes who struggled against oppressors and conquerors, depicted as bad fairies. These legends gave birth to such epic poems of Uzbek folklore as “Kyor-ogly” and “Alpamysh”. The poem Alpamysh about courage and bravery of Uzbek heroes went through centuries and became the real monument of Oriental literature.
Another really popular literary work was the cycle of tales and stories about Nasreddin Afandi – crafty, witty, cunning person, giving good lessons to greedy rich men and money-bags.
The 11th century was the period of literature, based on religious norms of Islamic morality. These are didactic poems “Knowledge, providing happiness” (1069) by Yusuf Balasaguni, “The gift of truths” by Akhmad Yugnaki and especially “The Dictionary of Turkic dialects” (1072-74), composed by Makhmud Kashgari.
The Tamerlane’s epoch was the golden age of fiction. They became popular thanks to the fact that works acquired more temporal character and became freer of excessive religiousness. It was the period of the great Oriental poet, thinker and political figure Alisher Navoi, who is considered the classic of Uzbek literature. His imperishable works “Chordevon”, “Khamsa”, “Farkhad and Shirin” and “Leyli and Medjnun” were translated into hundreds languages and are the world literature heritage.
The last emir of the Timurid Dynasty Zakhiriddin Babur is also famous as the great poet of his time. His epic poem “Boburname” is the masterpiece of Uzbek literature.
Generally, Uzbek literature of 18-19th centuries is lyric and dedicated to love. During this period such poets as Nadira, Uvaysi and many others became popular.
The early 20th century gave rise to Uzbek literature of Soviet period. The most prominent representatives of this period are Mukimi, Furkat, Khamza Khakimzade Niyazi and Sadriddin Ayni, Abdulla Kadiri, Fitrat, Oybek, Gafur Gulyam, Abdulla Kakhar, Khamid Alimdjan, Uygun.
