Regular contributor Bill Tope has launched a new literary magazine, Topiary, which is now accepting submissions! Please send short stories to billtopiary1950@gmail.com.

In March we will have a presence at the Association of Writing Programs conference in Baltimore which will include a free public offsite reading at Urban Reads on Friday, March 6th at 6 pm. All are welcome to attend!

So far the lineup for our reading, the Audible Browsing Experience, includes Elwin Cotman, Katrina Byrd, Terry Tierney, Terena Bell, Shakespeare Okuni, and our editor, Cristina Deptula. If there’s time, an open mic will follow.

Our next issue, Mid-March 2026, will come out Sunday March 22nd.

Yucheng Tao announces the winners of his poetry competition, Steve Schwei and Mark DuCharme. We’ve invited both winners to submit their poetry to Synchronized Chaos for everyone to read!

Now, for March’s first issue! This issue, Fingering the Spines, pays homage to our annual in-person reading, the Audible Browsing Experience. It’s a visual metaphor for looking through various titles in a global bookstore or library.

Genevieve Guevara rings in the dynamic energy of the Fire Horse for Chinese New Year.

Odiljonova Mohlaroyim Iqboljon qizi celebrates the many styles of Uzbek spoken word art. Umarova Gulsevar Ubaydullo qizi highlights the rich semantic and lexical expressiveness of the Uzbek language. Shuhratova Mohinur Abbosjon qizi explores the layered meaning of “k’o’ngil” (heart) in the Uzbek language.

Jesus Rafael Marcano celebrates the beauty of France, likening the nation to butterflies. Timothee Bordenave honors the beauty and majesty of Christian faith, as shown through Notre Dame. Su Yun’s abstract work reflects a meditative, spiritual sensibility. Soumen Roy describes a physical and mental journey towards spiritual inspiration.

Abdumajidova Zuhroxon Ibrohimjon qizi explores themes of hardship and endurance, destiny, faith, patriotism, and loyalty in Shuhrat’s classic Uzbek novel Oltin Zanglamas. Iroda Ibragimova explores themes of resilience and human dignity through oppression in Shukrullo’s novel Buried Without a Shroud. Bakhtiyorova Zakro Farkhod qizi speaks to the role of the short story in Uzbek literature. Ro’zimatova Madinaxon Sherzod qizi analyzes themes of strength, weakness and humanity in Abdulla Qahhor’s story “Ming bir jon.” Anvarova Mohira Sanjarbek qizi contributes a heartfelt poem from the perspective of Gulchehra, a character in O’lmas Umarbekov’s “Being Human is Hard.”

Azimov Mirsaid draws on Ray Bradbury and traditional Uzbek crafts and hospitality to illustrate the value of human warmth and imperfection. Dr. Jernail Singh Anand urges humanity to look into the words of our past and present writers and philosophers for wisdom in this age of great technological advancement. Dr. Jernail Singh Anand also expresses hope for the continuance of human creativity in the age of artificial intelligence. Daniela Chourio-Soto renders all-too-human morning sleepiness with lively humor. Eva Petropoulou Lianou explores the feelings and inspirations of emerging Greek painter Vivian Daouti.

Author Victoria Chukwuemeka discusses her creative journey towards exploring psychology and the subconscious, becoming deeper and more straightforward in her words. Kassandra Aguilera’s work mourns her speaker’s incompleteness, probing whether we need observers to fully realize ourselves. Ananya S. Guha reflects on distance, separation, and reunion, how roads can both bring us apart and together.

Emeniano Somoza poetically compares creative writing and glassblowing: arts where creators shape, rather than force, their materials. Poet Su Yun collects a set of poems from children at the East-West Public School in Bangalore on the theme of “the power of the pen vs the sword.” Taylor Dibbert’s short piece is almost anti-poetry, suggesting without communicating a metaphor.

Stephen Jarrell Williams’ poetry speaks to the risks and joys of openness to emotion and experience. Komilova Parizod reminds us to make the most of our lives and appreciate the joy around us. Priyanka Neogi urges us to act with wisdom and restraint. Boymirzayeva Dilrabo highlights the importance of motivation and discipline in reaching one’s goals.

Sobirova Oydinoy Nozimjon qizi discusses symptoms and types of neurosis. Mashhura Ochilova speaks with poignance and grace of a young woman’s inner battle with depression. Graciela Noemi Villaverde speaks to gaining wisdom through life’s losses. J.J. Campbell’s voice is older, raw, bruised, with hard-won exhaustion and experience.

Axmedova Gulchiroyxon expresses her tender love and concern for her mother. Nurmurodova Masrura Xurshedovna honors the patient, dedicated, behind-the-scenes love of her father. Gulsanam Sherzod qizi Suyarova explicates the value of friendship and how to be a good friend. Aminova Feruza Oktamjon kizi celebrates the beauty and innocence of young love. Qozoqboyeva Husnida yearns with devotion for her soulmate’s arrival. Mesfakus Salahin falls into a reverie about a fanciful love that exists between his imagination and his memory. Prasanna Kumar Dalai smiles through a delicate and tender love. Joeb expresses his hopes for personal and global love and peace. Lan Xin celebrates transcendent union with all others and the universe, with the world as her homeland, in her fanciful dinner piece. Husanxon Odilov laments a love which he acknowledges will never return. Nicholas Gunther reflects on a high school lost love or friendship through a casual ghazal. Bill Tope and Doug Hawley present an unusual relationship arrangement that seems to make several older people happy. Masharipova Yorqinoy Ravshanbek qizi celebrates the tenderness of a mother’s love. Brian Barbeito’s gentle childlike piece creates a surreal atmosphere rich in memory and care. Orzigul Sharobiddinova Ibragimova versifies her love and longing for her Uzbek homeland.

Zarifaxon Nozimjon Odilova qizi highlights the historical contributions of Uzbek statesman and humanist leader Zahriddin Muhammad Babur. Toshkentboyeva Xumora outlines the contributions of Amir Temur to modern Central Asian statecraft. Poet Lan Xin highlights the wisdom and compassion of Chinese Dongba cultural leader Wan Yilong. Abdusaidova Jasmina explicates themes of spirituality, heritage, and love in Alisher Navoiy’s writing. Abduxalilova Shoxsanamxon Azizbek qizi celebrates the benefits of reading culture for society.

Murodova Zarin Sherali qizi explicates the importance of language learning in world communication and international and intercultural relations. Khusanjonova Mukhtasarhkon Khamdamjon qizi discusses how podcasts can help those learning English as a foreign language. Turdimuradova Zulfera Sattor qizi analyzes the use of blended learning in teaching English as a foreign language. Suyunova Zuhra Oybekovna speaks to the importance of writing skills to language learning.

Olimova Marjona Ubaydullayevna celebrates the literary heritage of Zulfiya and her themes of patriotism, women’s dignity, and compassion. Munisa Yo’ldosheva highlights how Zulfiya’s life influenced her works and her contributions to supporting emerging authors. Nozigul Baxshilloyeva discusses emotional and spiritual themes within Zulfiya’s work and how they affect Uzbek readers. Sultonova Shahlo Baxtiyor qizi highlights the literary and cultural influence of Zulfiya’s poetry. Jurayeva Barchinoy does the same, while also highlighting her commitments to education and women’s rights. Nematullayeva Mukhlisa Sherali kizi relates the value of Zulfiya’s work through a narrative story. Gayratova Dilnavo highlights the enduring legacy of Zulfiya’s work, especially what it means for many Uzbek women.

Loki Nounou’s piece dramatizes a woman stripped of her individuality in a toxic marriage, becoming only a vessel to hold others’ dreams. Abigail George probes the maternal and domestic as both sacred and violent, an origin and a wound, along with critiques of colonialism and the power of self-kindness. Manik Chakraborty calls for a natural, spiritual feminine awakening. Asadullo Habibullayev warns of the dangers and social injustices young women can face in Uzbekistan, even when educated, and calls for the younger generation to respect the wisdom of their elders. Eva Petropoulou Lianou urges respect for women and for the roles women play in society, including motherhood. Maxmarajabova Durdona Ismat qizi celebrates the love and care of human mothers and the value of Mother Earth.

Zamira Moldiyeva Bahodirovna analyzes what the nature motifs in Alexander Feinberg’s work reveal about his thoughts on memory and identity. Noah Berlatsky draws on trees to illustrate our shared human heritage, how we connect to each other and hold each other up. Dilafruz Muhammadjonova presents a natural and cultural tour of Uzbekistan’s Andijan province. Suyunova Fotima Oybekovna reminds us of how crucial it is to preserve the environment. O’gabek Mardiyev outlines ways to improve the efficiency of solar power generation. Shavkatova Mohinabonu Oybek qizi urges improvements in Uzbek public transit to encourage tourism as well as benefit ecosystems. Sultonaliyeva Go’zaloy Ilhomjon qizi analyzes the social, cultural, ecological and economic aspects of tourism in Central Asia. Turgunov Jonpolat discusses the ways in which media framing of climate issues affects how people address the problem. Surayyo Nosirova highlights the need for more consistent communication from journalists to the public about climate change in Uzbekistan.

The works of primary school children in China, collected by Su Yun, reflect moments of happiness and ordinary summer fun in nature. Alan Patrick Traynor’s Irish-inspired piece becomes incantatory, mystical, inhabiting littoral and transitional zones at the ocean’s edge. Tea Russo’s spiderweb poem seeks both expansive transcendence and the peace of oblivion, melding into various aspects of nature. Turkan Ergor dreams of the permanence of the ocean’s waves. Eleanor Hill reflects on the calm strength and dignity of a whale, unbothered while creating waves and blowing bubbles. Ri Winters turns to the ocean and its kelp forests as metaphor for the deep, isolating, yet restful morass of depression.

Brian Barbeito sends up a preview of his book Of Love and Mourning, highlighting the original content and the memorials to beloved pets who have passed. Filmmaker Federico Wardal celebrates a film award for a very humane documentary about veterinary care that saved the life of a racehorse. Jerrice J. Baptiste’s piece, accompanied by gentle, colorful artwork, expresses a graceful and natural surrender to death. Sayani Mukherjee’s piece sits between devotion and restlessness, calling the sky a neighbor yet screaming at stars. Mykyta Ryzhykh crafts a fevered love elegy at the edge of war, eros, and annihilation.

Patrick Sweeney sends up a set of index cards from a memory archive. Mark Young’s altered geographies trace the outlines of innocence, memory, and rupture. John Grey’s urban character and landscape pieces show dry, unsentimental grace.

Duane Vorhees’ poetry meditates on time’s circularity, embracing contradictions and the past, present, and future. Ibrahim Honjo reflects that one day his home and everything he knows will fade into memory. Christopher Bernard continues exploring hope, ruin, and creative resilience in the second installment of his prose poem “Senor Despair.”

Maja Milojkovic speaks to the implacable ticking of conscience. Mahbub Alam laments the selfishness and wickedness of humanity. James Tian dramatizes the pain of being underestimated, dismissed, and misunderstood. Mark Lipman calls for greater taxes on the wealthy and for economic egalitarianism. Jacques Fleury hoists his commentary on the fragility of modern democracy on the scaffolding of an extended construction metaphor.

Rahmatullayeva Elmira Rahimjon qizi discusses how we form the value systems that guide our lives. Abduraufova Nilufar Khurshidjon qizi outlines the national values and traditions of the Uzbek people. Islomova Maxsudaxon Axrojon qizi explores ways to inculcate values into Uzbekistan’s young people in school through exposing them to the great thinkers of their heritage. Botirova Mubina looks into ways Uzbekistan’s civil society can uplift teens and prevent delinquency through communicating their national values. Abdullayeva Ezozaxon Qobuljon qizi highlights the importance of social and financial investment in education. Ismoilova Jasmina Shavkatjon qizi highlights the importance of quality education for social progress.

Axtamova Orastaxon Salimjon qizi outlines strategies to assist autistic children’s psychological development. Rajabova Nozima highlights methods of improving young students’ reading comprehension. Dildoraxon Turg’unboyeva outlines the effectiveness of play-based learning methods in education. Sevara Tolanboy Mahmudova qizi discusses educational games for preschoolers. Turgunboyeva Dilafruzxon highlights the importance of preschool education to a child’s development. Muxlisa Olimjon qizi Tursunaliyeva and Adhamova Irodaxon Akmal qizi discuss ways to help educate children with learning disabilities. Dilnora Habibullo qizi discusses interactive methods for teaching children with and without special needs. Burhonova Lobar outlines suggestions for working with children on the autism spectrum. Hikmatova Nigorakhon Hasanboy qizi discusses how to upgrade physical education and make the activities more interactive. Turg’unova O’g’iloy Ravshanbek qizi discusses ways to incorporate physical activity into children’s academic education. Shahobiddinova Sevinch explores the use of educational games in primary education. Arziqulova Adiba details various interactive strategies for engaging young children in educational activities at school. Mashhura Kamolova analyzes the limitations of examinations in terms of measuring student capabilities.

Orinboyeva Zarina discusses how to help children psychologically and emotionally navigate their parents’ divorce. Botiriva Odinaxon elevates the teaching profession and calls for professional development and competence in those who educate young children. Nishonboyeva Shahnoza speaks to her wisdom and dedication towards her goal of becoming a preschool teacher.

Kadirova Feruzakhan Abdiyaminova discusses interactive games that could be useful in science education. Oroqova Nargiza outlines the rise of allergies in children and speculates on the causes. Umidjon Hasamov highlights the potential for artificial intelligence in medical diagnostics. Yunusova Sarvigul Siroj qizi highlights the importance of early screening for gastrointestinal cancer. Rajapova Muqaddas Umidbek qizi highlights the structure and function of the circulatory system.

Shohnazarov Shohjaxon highlights the impact of inflation on a nation’s economy and strategies for managing it. Mamadaliyev Kamronbek highlights the need for cybersecurity technology and cautions about cyberattacks as a weapon of war.

Dr. Jernail S. Anand calls out poets and academics whose lofty ideas don’t connect to present-day reality. While we are all capable of flights of fancy, we hope that this issue is grounded in our world and our humanity.

Glass Jar

You see it so clearly,

You speak so decisively.

“There’s nothing inside”—

That’s your answer.

I know you wouldn’t accept this:

You don’t see clearly enough.

Inside, a heart is stored,

A process is stored—

A process from “clarity” to “turbidity”…

I won’t tell you.

I only need to smile and nod.

Because my shadow has been compressed,

And your eyes have already seen—

The expression of the wind.

HUSNORA

“The One Who Strays from the Right Path Ends in Ruin”

From the Author:

This story was not written to promote girls being educated or uneducated. Rather, it was written to encourage everyone to think wisely before acting and to make decisions with their parents’ consent and blessing.

This story is based on real events, and I portrayed them through the character of Husnora. I wrote this story so that others would not repeat the mistakes she made in her youth. If she had not made those mistakes, perhaps she would be happy today.

That is why I wrote this story as a warning to young girls. I hope you will draw the right conclusions from it.

Every person strives to be happy. Happiness cannot be found in money or material things; it is always in one’s own hands. If you stray from the right path, unhappiness awaits you. But if you walk the right path, a beautiful happiness awaits you. You simply need to recognize it—it is often found in the simplest things.

HUSNORA

The noise of cars, the streets crowded with people—everyone busy with their own lives. In a large house at the edge of the street, there was a celebration.

It was May 21st—Husnora’s birthday. All her relatives had gathered; she was turning eighteen. Everyone sincerely congratulated her.

By evening, the guests began to leave. The day ended. The next day she went to school and spent joyful time with her classmates, as they were about to graduate from the eleventh grade.

Two days later, they gathered to hear the final school bell. Everyone was beautifully dressed. They graduated.

Her parents, Hasan aka and Momogul opa, had long been thinking about whether to send their daughter to study further. But they hesitated. Husnora was playful and not very serious. In her younger years, she had made many mistakes. Perhaps because of that, her parents were always worried. Moreover, she often ignored their advice.

June passed with these thoughts.

Without telling her parents, Husnora secretly applied to a medical college because she wanted to become a nurse. The exam day approached, yet her parents knew nothing.

One day, while cleaning the house, Momogul opa accidentally found some documents. Reading them, she realized her daughter had applied to medical college. She sat down and cried for a long time. Then she thought, Is it wrong if my daughter studies?

But still uncertain, she called her husband.

Hasan aka was shocked and angry that his daughter had acted without his permission. That night he argued with Momogul opa.

Husnora had gone to stay at her grandmother Sevara’s house. Sevara lived alone; her husband had died young, and her youngest son lived in Russia. Husnora often stayed with her grandmother.

When her father called angrily, demanding she come home in the morning, Husnora understood the truth had come out.

Her grandmother advised her wisely:
“Without your parents’ blessing, you cannot achieve true happiness.”

But Husnora did not listen.

“I’m eighteen. I can make my own decisions,” she insisted.

Eventually, her father agreed to let her study—but warned her not to disgrace the family.

She passed the exam and was admitted to the Tashkent Medical College. Her family felt uneasy because of her past behavior.

In Tashkent, Husnora made new friends. Instead of focusing on her studies, she spent time going out, dressing fashionably, meeting boys, and enjoying city life.

She met Sardor and Shavkat—two young men who followed the girls everywhere. Eventually, friendships turned into romance. The boys often had no money and made the girls pay for outings.

One night, drunk and out of control, the boys tried to assault Husnora. Terrified, she escaped and hid until morning. She later learned they were gamblers and drug users.

Despite everything, she continued her careless lifestyle.

She graduated and returned home. Her father organized a feast to celebrate her diploma, but she embarrassed him by wearing revealing clothes in front of guests.

Later, she began working at a hospital. There she met Shuhrat, a doctor who showed her attention. She did not know he was married with children.

They spent evenings together. Her father warned her again, but she accused him of interfering in her life.

Eventually, a proposal came from a city man named Farhod. He was handsome and well-dressed. She agreed quickly, dreaming of city life.

After marriage, Farhod revealed his violent nature. He suffered from epilepsy and often beat her. He forced her to write a statement humiliating herself.

She became pregnant. The abuse continued.

One day, during a seizure, Farhod died from an overdose. His family accused Husnora of killing him. They took her son Jonibek away and expelled her from the house.

Despite her attempts through court, she could not regain custody.

Years passed. Jonibek grew up calling his grandmother “mother,” unaware of his real mother. He was raised to hate Husnora.

Husnora lived with deep regret.

If only she had listened to her parents…
If only she had chosen wisely…
Perhaps her life would have been different.

Sometimes when one leaves, there is no return

I won’t live long enough to forget you,

Yet my heart will not stop beating without you.

These wounds you left behind won’t ever heal,

Sometimes when one leaves, there is no return.

If I ever long for your embrace,

If my heart still yearns for your fragrance,

Still, one learns to live no matter what—

Sometimes when one leaves, there is no return.

Tell me, why are you so distressed?

Why do questions keep scratching at your heart?

Leaving you was a sign of my destiny,

Sometimes when one leaves, there is no return.

Do not ever think that I will come back,

Do not lie saying you love me.

Do not wait for me, hoping I’ll arrive

Sometimes when one leaves, there is no return.

Husanxon Odilov

Uzbekistan

THE PLACE AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SHORT STORY IN TODAY’S LITERATURE 

Kattakurgan State Pedagogical Institute

Faculty of Philology and Social Sciences

1st year student

of the Uzbek language and literature

Bakhtiyorova Zakro Farkhod qizi

bakhtiyorovazakhro1@gmail.com

 Phone: (+998) 77 219 02 28

Abstract: The article analyzes the role and historical significance of the short story genre, one of the genres of fiction, in fiction today from a historical, literary and theoretical perspective. It sheds light on the formation and development of the short story genre, as well as its inextricable connection with religious, historical and educational sources. In particular, the role of the short story traditions in classical literature, including the work “Qissasi Rabguziy” in the development of the genre, is considered separately. The study substantiates the role of short stories in preserving historical memory, forming a moral and aesthetic ideal, and understanding national identity with the help of scientific evidence. It also analyzes the transformation of the short story genre in modern fiction, the processes of renewal in its compositional and methodological features.

Keywords: stories, historical, significance, contemporary fiction, spiritual nourishment, human qualities, linguistic theory, stories mentioned in the Holy Quran.

INTRODUCTION

Nowadays, for lovers of fiction, each work has its own unique charm and unique harmony of meaning. Such works, with their aesthetic richness and spiritual maturity, gently touch the heartstrings of the reader, give them a good mood, make them laugh, inspire them, teach them to look at life in a new way, to be loving to those around them. At the same time, with their underlying meaning, they lead to moral perfection. Most of such masterpieces are written in the short story genre. When did the short story genre originally appear? Who were the first to create in this genre? What is the purpose of writing short stories? What spiritual nourishment can be obtained from the short stories being written today? To find answers to such questions, we need to look at history.

The historical significance of short stories and their place in the present day are very important for us. A number of stories are narrated in the work of Nasuriddin Rabguziy, “The Story of Rabguziy” and in the Holy Quran. This study serves to shed light on the moral ideas in these stories and to reveal their intended purpose. In addition, it also conducts research on the language of the work from a linguistic perspective.

REVIEW OF USED LITERATURE

 Over the past 5 years, especially in 2024-2025, the genre of the story has been actively studied in literary studies, new interpretations and methodological approaches are being developed. Azimov.A. cites the following information in his dissertation: Current Uzbek stories have been studied by many literary scholars. These include scientific studies such as S. Mamajonov’s “Uslub jilolari”, U. Normatov’s “Ufqlari nasrimiz”, A. Rasulov’s “Ardoqli adib”, H. Umurov’s “Kahramonning man’ami olam i epiclik” (The Spiritual World of the Hero and Epicism). The methodological basis of the work is theoretical works created on literary works, published works on the nature of the short story genre and the spiritual world of the creator. The work mainly uses descriptive analysis, and in some cases comparative analysis methods.

This scientific work examines the ideological and aesthetic assessment of contemporary Uzbek short stories, the study of the objective and subjective aspects of the characters in the stories, the portrayal of the characters’ psyche, the extent to which contemporary writers have been able to reflect life in a work of art, and the transformation of life’s conflicts from a social phenomenon into an artistic phenomenon based on contemporary Uzbek short stories.

Ulugbek Hamdam, in his article entitled “The Interpretation of Morality in the Poetics of the Story in Subconscious Experiences,” makes the following points: “When analyzing a work of art, we either do not see or cannot see the presence of the author’s personality along with the participating characters. In works of art, the image of the author is manifested in the style of narration, the language of the work, and the methods of depiction. In a word, the image of the author consists of his aesthetic perceptions, thinking, ideology, the objects depicted, and his vices, which are vividly expressed in the work.”

Annayev Davlat Ismatovich, a 1st-year master’s student in the field of literary studies and Uzbek literature at Termez State University, provides the following information in his article entitled “The uniqueness and genre composition of the work “Qissasi ar-Rabguziy”: The first writer in the history of Turkic literature to start creating stories from narratives and stories in prose was Nasuriddin Burhoniddin Rabguziy. Only the work “Qissasi Rabguziy” (1309-1310) has survived to us. The work was written by order of the Muslim Mongol bey Nasuriddin Toqboga. The book is written in Turkic, mainly in prose, with hymns, summaries of some stories, lyrical experiences and the final part in verse.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

 It is known that the work “Qissasi Rab’guziy” is the first work in the genre of short stories written in prose. This work is very rich in spiritual terms, it covers a wide range of moral issues, and many stories mentioned in the Holy Quran are also given in this work, which both in history and today contribute to the education of the reader’s soul and the ability to control his soul, to distinguish between the lawful and the unlawful, and to reveal how bad envy is and that no human child can achieve salvation through it. The stories in the work, such as “Ibrahim alayhis-salamu wa Maa Namrud alayhil la’ana” about Abraham and the infidel king Namrud, “Ya’qub alayhis-salamu” about Jacob, who was an example of patience for all people, and “Yusuf Siddiq alayhis-salamu” about his son Joseph and his brothers who were always jealous of him, always serve as an example for us in terms of human qualities.

In addition, from the point of view of linguistics, a large part of this invaluable national heritage is attributed to V.V. Radlov, V. Thomsen, P.M. Melioransky, S.E. Malov, V.L. Kotvich, A. Fon, Gaben, G. Ramstedt, A.N. Kono

LIST OF REFERENCES USED:

1. Rabguziy, Nosuriddin Burhoniddin. “The Story of Rabguziy” (Editor N.A. Asilova; Foreword by E. Fozilov). K.I. – T.: Writer, 1999.-240p.: illustration)

Inv. In front of: Institute of Manuscripts named after H. Sulaymanov of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR.

2. Professor of Chirchik State Pedagogical University, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences Ulugbek Hamdam: “Interpretation of morality in the poetics of the story in the subconscious experiences”, p. 23.

3. Jabborov E. Folklore: image and interpretation.-Karshi: Nasaf, 1999.

4. Hamdamov U. Loneliness.-Tashkent: Yangi asr avlod, 2019

5. Muhammadjon Xolbekov. Landscapes of 20th-century modern literature. A progressive interpretation of 20th-century modernist prose Source taken from www.kh-davron.uz. 2018.

6. Azimov.A. Dissertation for the degree of Master on the topic “Artistic features of modern Uzbek stories”. Andijan 2021. 5 pages.

The Restless Times

The world is moving through a restless time.
People—
instead of being friends—
have turned into each other’s fiercest enemies.

Day and night
obsessed with killing, violation, or harm
we chase one another in endless hostility

Yet, many stars still bloom in the dark—
but they are confined indoors.
They have no power to light the open sky.

Their glow dies quietly
imprisoned behind the threshold.

Meanwhile, the wicked roam the earth unchecked.
Beasts wear the sacred threads of saints
and make a mockery of virtue.

In this aggressive competition
more and more lives are erased.

We were meant to extend a hand of friendship—
yet like that old mariner,
we have all become ideal-less killers of the albatross.

So much murder, so much cruelty, so much human tyranny
that the eyes grow tired and close.
The inner world of thought begins to shrink.

How long do we even stay on this earth?!

And still—
so much of this?
Still?

Md. Mahbubul Alam is from Bangladesh. His writer name is Mahbub John in Bangladesh. He is a Senior Teacher (English) of Harimohan Government High School, Chapainawabganj, Bangladesh. Chapainawabganj is a district town of Bangladesh. He is an MA in English Literature from Rajshahi College under National University. He has published three books of poems in Bangla. He writes mainly poems but other branches of literature such as prose, article, essay etc. also have been published in national and local newspapers, magazines, little magazines. He has achieved three times the Best Teacher Certificate and Crest in National Education Week in the District Wise Competition in Chapainawabganj District. He has gained many literary awards from home and abroad. His English writings have been published in Synchronized Chaos for seven years.

Once when he was in grade ten in 1990, his Bangla letter was selected as the best one from Deutsche Welle, Germany Radio that broadcast Bangla news for the Banglalee people. And he was given 50 Dutch Mark as his award. They would ask letters from the listeners to the news in Bangla and select one letter for the best one in every month.     

From 17 to 30 September, in 2018 he received a higher training in teaching English language in Kasetsart University of Thailand for secondary level students through a government order from education ministry. 

On 06 November 2015 he achieved Amjad Ali Mondal Medal for his contribution in education field by a development organization in the conference and felicitation function for the honorable personalities at Rajshahi College Auditorium. 

On 30 December 2017 from West Bengal in India he was declared a ‘Literary Charioteer’ in Bangobandhu Literary and World Bango Conference and they awarded him with a Gold Medal in their International Literary Conference and Prize Giving Ceremony.

In 2018, he achieved Prodipto Lirerary Award in Prodipto Literary Conference at Kesorhat, Rajshahi for poems in Bangla literature. He received honorary crest from the administration of Chapainawabganj District Literary Conference and Cultural Function in 2021 and 2022 consecutively. 

His poems have been published in many international online magazines such as Juntos Por las L Raven Cage Zine, and Area Felix.  His poems have been translated and published in Argentine and Serbian, and he participated in many international online cultural meetings.