Poetry from Begoyi Allabergenova Aytjan Egamberdievna, translated into English by Nilufar Ruxillayeva

Older middle aged Central Asian woman with her brown hair up in a bun and a black dress with white spots and a green coat sitting on a wooden chair in a room with a wooden floor, a carpet and houseplants.
Begoyi Allabergenova Aytjan Egamberdievna
Homeland

I love my country like a flower,
I am great because of you.
First a welcome threshold,
Indescribable world,
Circumvent your soil,
I will take care of your herbs.

Let me say it in my mother tongue,
My soil is rich in character.
You are the moon shining in my sky,
You are a good host.
Look like heaven,
Your name is kind, dear.

The nations of the world are envious,
Take a lesson from patriots.
Peace prevails in people,
"Dormon" is the source of inspiration.
My people are the leader of my people,
He said that he was out of his mind.





I, Begoyi ( Allabergenova Aytjan ) Egamberdievna, was born on May 10, 1954 in Karl Marks (now Ellikkala district, G. Odilov OFY) farm, Tortkol district. My father, Egamberdi Allabergenov, was a freight forwarder at the "Qirqqizsovkhozvodstroy" trust, and my mother, Orunova Reymajan, was a housewife.

In 1960, I went to study at the Alisher Navoi school in Tortkol district (now Ellikkala), and in 1970 I graduated from the 10th grade of this school. In 1971, I entered medical school in Tortkol district.
In 1973, I graduated from the university and started working in the district central hospital. I worked as a nurse in a polyclinic. From 1979, I worked as an obstetrician in a city hospital until I retired.
Today, I am the mother of 5 children and the grandmother of 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
I retired in 2009.

I have been interested in reading and creating since I was young. Articles and poems in republican and district periodicals began to appear when I was a student at school.
My first book "The virtue of my life" was published in Tashkent in 2013 by "Akademnashr" publishing house.
In 2015, my poetry book "Fountain of Mercy" was published in Tashkent by "Akademnashr" publishing house.
In 2017, Turon Ikboli Publishing House published my book "The Motherland, I Live With You".

In February 2020, my book "Trials of the Mysterious World" was published.
At the end of March 2020, my book "The Remaining Soul" was published.
I participate in regional and republican newspapers and magazines with my works. I am an active participant in all regional and republican events.
I participate in Oynaijahon and radio with my performances.
I wrote 4 poetry books in verse, 1 book "The Remaining Day", stories and fairy tales in the prose direction.
I am a member of the Union of Writers of Uzbekistan and Karakolpakistan.

Synchronized Chaos October 2023: ELECTRONICA > Sound Medicine

Curated by Kahlil Crawford, this month’s issue features works about electronic music, the intersection of art, creativity, technology and healing, and electronic music composition itself.

‘We must break out of this limited circle of sounds and conquer the infinite variety of noise-sounds.’

Luigi Russolo (1913)

We start off with Bakhora Bakhtiyorova and Tasirul Islam whom provide basic introductions to the contemporary roots of electronic music and technology. Next, Chris Esparza, provides an insider view of rave art history in the midwestern United States – a visual preamble to the upcoming Viva Acid event in Chicago – the home of House music.

Delaware artist/poet Robert Fleming‘s pop art illustrates prominent discotheques in Ibiza, Berlin, London and New York then Metariddim converses with DJ Toyacoyah about indigeneity in and around the electronic music scene. Meanwhile, Zimbabwean poet Abigirl Phiri waxes philosophic on the (electronic) music contributions of Australian vocalist Sia and South Africa’s Makhadzisa.

‘Personally, for my conceptions, I need an entirely new medium of expression: a sound-producing machine.’

Edgard Varèse (1939)

Photographers Daniel de Culla and Isabel Gomez de Diego offer up images of nature, religion and wedding music while poets Kristy Ann Raines and Maja Milojkovic recite the melodious connection between soul, love and music. Mahbub Alam continues this theme with his personal connection to music.

Not limited to music, electronica encompasses our everyday mobile devices as illustrated by Don Bormon. Sabrid Jahan Mahin takes things a step further with a deep technological discussion between father and son while Nurujjaman articulates the lifeways of music and technology on a whole.

‘Many musicians have dreamed of compact technological boxes, inside which all audible sounds, including noise, would be ready to come forth at the command of the composer.’

John Cage (1942)

Yahya Azeroglu explains how music nourishes the soul and provides quotes from historical figures to support this notion. Muhammed Aamir spins a tale of skateboarding, playlists and mixtapes then Jannae Jordan explores the deeper divinity of music frequencies. Tanvir Islam envisions a pro-technological future and DJ Kittenbear sonically reminds us that the beat goes on…

Essay from Jannae Jordan

Inspired Divine Frequency

Today many see the existence of music as purely for entertainment. However, if we were to take a beat and think beyond our immediate history, but rather the history of the world or better yet the universe, we find that music’s origin story is a sacred one. In the Hindu religion that a one syllable word and tone, Aum (Om), resonates at the same 432Hz frequency as the universe and all of nature. And that that sound was present at the dawn of creation. The Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras also believed that creation began with sound. He referred to it as “Musica Universalis”, meaning universal music. The Bible and the Torah both speak of creation being sung into existence in some form or another. The musical scale that we are so familiar with today was essentially created by a Gregorian monk for chanting Psalms. All around the world and across many cultures and their respective mythologies and religions, sound and music are revered as a means for communing with God, Gods, Deities, our planet, spirits, elements, and celestial bodies.

As a creator of music, I have often wondered why some pieces feel divinely inspired while others feel forcibly pulled and coaxed into being. The process is either euphoric or taxing. The taxing work more often than not is upon request with formulaic requirements and deadlines. There is very little to no emotion behind the requests, just a desire to achieve a technically well composed piece of music, lyrics, and vocal performance. Again, it is very formulaic. However, when the work is inspired, it flows. Sometimes it flows like cool crystal-clear water cascading over the rocks of a calm river or a babbling brook. You just sit with it and feel the work comfortably come through.  Other times it roars in like the sea during a hurricane with melodies, harmonies and words crashing into your consciousness while you sleep only calming when you surrender, get out of bed to grab a pen and something to record with, and create what the waves ask of you. Whether the pieces come through serenely or intensely, the finished work always feels like it was meant to be. In my experiences those pieces also tend to connect with more people and in much deeper ways. In other words. the projects that hit for me on a global level came to me of their own free will; no coaxing or stressing or writers block or dead ear to finding the hidden top-line and accompanying vocal arrangements. There was consciousness at play, perhaps all mine, perhaps not. But that’s another discussion involving the concept of having a soul and a higher self. What I want to do here is open the door to the space where we ask the question: Is sound and music at its core divine?

Stereo Mutants feat. Jannae Jordan

It would take a graduate school level thesis chock full of words like Solfeggio frequencies, Hertz, resonance, cymatics, limbic and endocrine systems, mathematical, etc., plus pages of citations and references, for me to go into all of the science, history, and mythology behind why some people feel that music is divine as well as why many think it is just science. I’m not here to do that, nor am I qualified to do so as I am still seeking answers, forming new questions and learning as I go. I can only convey what I feel and believe on the matter. Based on my personal and professional experiences as a Vocalist and Songwriter, I think that inspired work is truly rooted in the divine. As a creator who has felt compelled to create certain works at times, I see it as being given a task and completing it while being led by the part of ourselves that is tethered to the universe and all around us. Over the years I have come to know that many of my peers have had similar experiences and feel as I do about it. We agree that the connection is why that work tends to cut through the noise and resonate with others in very real and personal ways. It’s more than natural talent and technical skill. As silly as it sounds, it’s your vibe! Literally and figuratively your overall vibe and energy, the frequency you were vibrating on when you created the work.

A simple and proven scientific fact is this; we are all in constant vibration, emitting our own frequencies. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/), the overall range of human resonant frequencies is 9-16 Hz. There’s a lot of fancy math that gets more into it. But that’s the average range of a human being’s natural frequency. Knowing that I ask, is it implausible that some of us would be in sync? And more than that; if those of us who are in sync are so because we are in sync with a greater vibration, perhaps the one that sang us into creation? The same vibration found in nature. The frequency of Earth itself is ever present all around us and goes right through us. Granted, we vibrate at considerably lower frequencies than the planet. But the fact that we exist speaks to our vibrational compatibility with our planet. Kind of like playing chords, the notes can be several keys apart and make a sound that works. Vocal harmony is a prime example of this sort of compatibility as well. In this instance I’m saying some of us are synched up and tuned in more acutely than others. For some by design, and others by desire, discipline, and meditation. I’d like to believe one day we all will be.  Keep in mind, I still cry when I see that old Coca-Cola advertisement with the hippies on a mountain in Switzerland singing “I’d like to teach the world to sing, in perfect harmony…”. I’m a cynical dreamer, but I dream big, and I do hope we can all sync up one day because the lack of harmony in the world seems unrelenting at times. Discord everywhere. See what I did there? Music is so much a part of our lives that linguistically, musical references are embedded into our language to describe the universal themes of peace and chaos.

Although we as humans are, and have always been, in a constant dance with music and sound almost as if it’s a part of us, something is off these days. I may want to sync up with others, you may want to do so as well. But it would seem that we can’t reach one another in quite the same way we used to. Today we live in a world where we are constantly being bombarded by more frequencies than ever before in human history! We are literally unconsciously, subconsciously slogging through a thick soup of transmissions of everything from news… social media…air traffic control…smart house devices … audio and video surveillance…traffic signals…cellular phones… miscellaneous streaming TV and movies, and music transmitting in the air 24/7.  And what’s more than that, we are now codependently tethered by way of the Wi-Fi umbilicus to our many electronic devices as we need them to decipher and consume and engage with all of it at any given time.  How do we still find, hear, and feel that one right frequency in the midst of it all?  For many of us we just do. Which is why now more than ever before, I believe that when you hear something that lifts your spirit or feels healing in some way, in the purest sense it’s because it was created on the right frequency. 

I believe that creators of works that heal, comfort, inspire, express the truest forms of love, passion, and compassion, are divinely assigned to create that music to get through the cluttered broadcast soup for people to connect with it. I also believe that is why there is a movement of those who feel driven to create music that vibes on a higher level to take more control over what we cast out sonically via sound waves into the atmosphere. We know and respect that music’s genesis was sacred. Today it’s easy to forget that as it has become overwhelmingly commercial and monetized to entertain, or even numb people to the harsh bits of reality that we are also bombarded with in that aforementioned soup of transmissions and daily life. However, there are still many of us creators of music who know that somewhere in the mix we must keep some lines open for that which connects us all to “the all” around us so that we don’t lose ourselves. It’s inherent for us to desire synchronicity and connection, it’s a part of our make-up. Much like how the solar system moves as it always has, like a perfectly calibrated and choreographed example of how things should be. Which is why I really appreciate Pythagoras’ Musica Universalis, also referenced as, Harmony of the Spheres. The spheres being all of the bits in our solar system. There is balance, order, and calm in that. There is also sound, and music ascribed to that. 

This piece clearly isn’t about solving the mysteries of music and sound. This isn’t supposed to make anyone feel poorly or intellectually superior about their listening choices or how they create music. I just want you to think on this for a moment. Whether you find this to be mere fodder, or heavy food for thought, I just want people to think. As a creator of music and devotee of words, music, and sound, I rather like the idea of starting a conversation for others that may take them on a journey of thought exploration that they hadn’t considered going on before. If nothing else, I hope you take a moment to ponder a question about the universe in general. As for this moment, no matter if you are a pure science person or a spiritual or religious one, we all know what sound is.

Think of a bell, such a simple instrument and simple sound capable of many tones and decibels. A loud strong bell breaking a still quiet space can startle. A soft gentle bell can awaken or signal something pleasant. It’s so basic, and we all understand it. We also know what music is. The assemblage of sound, musical notes in an order that some compose with no idea of its mathematical relevance just that the collection of notes in a particular order is pleasing to the ear. Yet, that same collection of sound, that music, can alter one’s mood negatively or positively. It can be evocative of memories, sensations, and emotions so deep that one can experience feelings of ecstasy, catharsis or pure bliss!  We know that even when people can’t understand the language of a song lyric that they can understand the feeling imbued into the composition or vocal performance of that same song. And we know that sound was here before we were. Knowing those things is more than enough for me to continue to listen deeply while asking more questions. So, I guess I’m posing a challenge here. I challenge you to take a moment, think of a song that has always moved you in a good way. Sit with it and ask yourself what is it about that song that does it for you? See what you come up with! If you create music, ask yourself the same thing. Except for you, it’s why did you feel that song needed to be brought forth into existence? 

I leave you with this; many moons ago back in college for my Philosophy class term paper, I theorized that God was an author and wrote the story of us in many languages with variations on certain themes so that one day we would all realize we were one. That all our stories were the same, just different languages. Clearly I’m oversimplifying what I wrote back then. I will say this, it was good, and I got an “A” for it! I was very young, and that was many years ago. Today I think I rather prefer the notion that all of creation was composed and sung into existence with mighty intention, and it all flowed into being. Now, our job is to all get on the same note and harmoniously continue to the composition and sing it together. And yes, I really would like to buy the world a Coke!


Jannae Jordan

I am a Writer and a Songwriter first and foremost, then a Singer and Producer. For me the magic is in the words. Words are powerful things! My song lyrics are always inspired whether I’m a hired gun on deck to find the words to tell someone else’s personal story, or the featured vocalist and lyricist. The work is always personal on some level. Every word, melody and arrangement comes from a profoundly genuine place in my core. I love what I do!

Essay from Yahya Azeroglu

CHOIR PRACTICE IN ANTALYA!!! (MUSIC NOURISHES THE SOUL)

In Antalya, the choir ensemble named THM and Folk Music Night, led by my dear friends Ali Gardaş and his wife Selma Gardaş, has returned to the stage after a long season break, starting their choir rehearsals on September 17, 2023. Comprised of elite artists who are passionate about music, the choir, under the direction of Ali Gardaş, captivated the audience while performing new pieces from their repertoire. They also made significant contributions to the world music culture. Therefore, inspired by the saying ‘Music is the nourishment of the soul,’ our ancestors used music to treat many illnesses. Music is not only nourishment for the soul but also a significant art form that motivates the heart. It can assist in the treatment and recovery of various illnesses, including expediting the healing process of heart conditions by normalizing heart rhythms and regulating blood pressure. Music, considered the best painkiller, plays a crucial role in alleviating and reducing pain.

Furthermore, according to scientists, music has a profound impact on the body’s value systems. Music also accelerates positive cultural change, guiding individuals toward new roles and lifestyles. As an important educational and communication tool, music significantly aids individuals in integrating into society. For example, although I may not understand the language of musicians such as Mita Hogue, Muhammed Milon from Bangladesh, Fakir Alemgir, Kanika Kapoor, Shreya Ghosal from India, Muhammed Reza and Kayhan Kalhor from Iran, and American musician Elvis Presley, listening to their music soothes my soul. In this regard, the need for government support for music is increasing day by day. Now, let’s list the quotes of famous figures, including Atatürk, about music:

Additionally, the quotes of Atatürk and other celebrities about music and art are quite meaningful: ‘A nation’s renewal is measured by its ability to accept change, including in music. A nation without art has severed one of its lifeblood vessels. The distinguished Turkish nation, which is an elevated community, also has a unique characteristic in history: its love for fine arts and its pursuit of excellence in them.’ -Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

  1. Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul. (Plato)
  2. Music is the most transparent language of emotions. (Emil Zeig)
  3. Music is the harmony between heaven and earth. (Confucius)
  4. When things go awry on the world stage, the orchestra comes into play. (Kari Kraus)
  5. If you want to enslave a nation, corrupt their music. (Confucius)

Music is very powerful, my young friends. It takes us to our memories, influences our mood, and determines our attitude towards the problems we encounter. (Sharon Draper)

Music rules the world. (Martin Luther)

Music is the paradise of the poor. (Emerson)

Music should enflame the hearts of men and bring tears to the eyes of women.

Music is such a vast sea that I have rolled up my pants, but I still haven’t entered it.

Music is the nourishment of the soul. (Mendelssohn)

Music is another planet. (Daudet)

On this occasion, it was up to me to perform an Azerbaijani Turkish song.”

 I also wanted to share with you that.


Yahya Azeroğlu was born on October 24, 1955, as the second of nine siblings in the village of Yukarı Topraklı (Alkızıl) in the Aralık district of Iğdır, Turkey. He began his education in this region. In 1970, Yahya Azeroğlu and his family migrated to Turgutlu, a district in Manisa, Turkey. Afterward, he went to Germany, where he received two years of German language education. He returned to Turkey in 1984.
Upon his return, Yahya Azeroğlu established the Poets and Writers Association and served as its president for 15 years. Within this framework, he continued to engage in cultural activities. He has published eight books and maintained close ties with the Turkic world. Yahya Azeroğlu has received around 105 awards for his cultural activities. He is a member of the Azerbaijan Writers Union and was honored with the Turan Medal in Kyrgyzstan. He has won numerous poetry competitions and was recognized as an Honorary Professor in Azerbaijan. His life and work have been the subject of theses by university students, including those from Celal Bayar University in Manisa and Akdeniz University.
Yahya Azeroğlu, who has four children (two sons and two daughters), currently serves as the General President of the Turkish World Arts and Culture Center (Tüsküm), headquartered in Antalya, where he continues his cultural activities.

Story from Rafiul Islam

Young South Asian teen with short brown hair, brown eyes, and a white collared shirt with a school emblem on the right breast.

Rafiul Islam

Magical Book 

A long time ago, when I was studying in Chapainawabganj Government High School, we wanted to go on a class study tour. But our teacher was saying that education tour is not possible at that moment. But they will talk to the head teacher and try their best to take us on the educational tour. Several days passed after that. Then suddenly one day at the beginning of class, our class teacher gave us a good news. Our class teacher told us that the headmaster has given permission to take us on the educational tour. However, he asked the teachers and students to fix a place together. At that time, many people were confused where to go. But finally we decided to go Mohasthan Garh. But some of our classmates were saying that they want to go but their parents won't give permission. So, our class teacher talked to their parents. Finally their parents allowed them to go. Then our day goes by.

 On the day we left for the educational tour. We left at 10 am and arrived at the spot at 3 pm. We were all tired, so no one went back. The next day we were touring the whole Mohasthan Garh from morning. When the sun was right above our head, we all were going back to have lunch. But then a strange statue fell in front of me. I approached the memorial and looked around the statue.

Then an open book caught my eye on the back of the statue. Teacher Aman was calling me when I took the book. I didn't tell the teacher about the book at that time. Then we left for home in the evening. Then it was too late after returning home so I didn't open the book. The next day I opened the book and after opening the book I saw that there was nothing written on it. I thought someone's book might have gone there by mistake. And I put the book on my reading table. After that I turned off the light in my room and slept. In such a situation, suddenly a colorful light starts to shine from the book. I was very surprised. But I opened the book somehow. When I opened the book, there were many writings floating there, but the writings seemed to be of an ancient language. I wasn't awake much longer. I took the book to my teacher the next day. I told him everything. He heard all this and told me that there might be some secret which shouldn't be revealed. So, we should keep it in the museum. So Amika and my teacher left the book in the museum. Maybe the book is of some use to them.


Md Rafiul Islam is a student of grade 7 in Harimohan Government High School, Chapainawabganj, Bangladesh.

Essay from Tasirul Islam

South Asian older teen boy with short brown hair, brown eyes, and a white collared shirt with a school emblem on the right breast. He's standing next to a calendar.
Tasirul Islam
Technology has improved our lives for the better. People are able to live safely because of technology. Modern age is unimaginable without technology. Through technology we can all keep each other updated. Looking back to the past, it can be seen that ancient people used pigeons to send letters from one place to another to keep them in touch with each other. But in today's age, technology can send one's news within seconds through mobile phone or computer. 

Previously, people couldn't have the facility of using the technology. But nowadays people can easily keep connected of different countries through technology because of mobile phone, other network and social communication. Today, the entire world has come to the hands of people, thanks to technology. In our country earlier people used to harvest paddy by hand with great difficulty, but in the present era, farmers are able to thresh rise in the field very easily with the help technology - rice threshing machines. As a result the farmers do not suffer much. 

People of the world have been able to live comfortably due to modern devices; it is possible because of technology. Earlier people used to take a lot of time to go from one place to another. But now through technology people can easily move from one place to another place. So, there are many positive aspects of technology but it also has some negative aspects too. Its abuse can cause a lot of damage to the world. Technology is used in all crimes including, terrorism, murder, drug dealing etc. After all, if technology is used on beneficial way, our world will see a bright future one day.. 

Md. Tasirul Islam is a student of grade 9 in Harimohan Government High School, Chapainawabganj, Bangladesh.