Essay from Farzona Hoshimova

Young Central Asian girl with dark pigtails and a white blouse and blue overalls holding a set of books in front of a pine tree on a grassy field on a sunny day.

Thank You, “Tong Yulduzi”!

Creative Journey and Publications

Between 2021 and 2025, more than 50 of her literary works—both in prose and poetry—have been published in national and international press. Her works have appeared in publications such as “Fergana Haqiqati”, “Dono Word”, “Tong Yulduzi”, “Smile”, “Yangiyer Tongi”, and “Ijodkor”, as well as international journals like “Kenya Times”, “Raven Cage”, “Page 3 News”, and “Thotem” in Argentina. Farzona’s writings have also been featured in collective anthologies, including “Girls Nation – Daughters of the Nation”, published by Amazon.com (USA), as well as collections printed in Khiva, Jizzakh, and Sirdarya.

Her first book was published in 2021 in Great Britain and Europe.

Competitions and Achievements

To date, Farzona has been awarded over 95 diplomas, certificates, and memorable gifts for her active participation and success in various contests.

“Tong Yulduzi” – A Source of Inspiration

The newspaper “Tong Yulduzi” (Morning Star) holds a special place in Farzona’s creative journey. A poem dedicated to the paper by children’s poet Ro‘zimurod Bolqiyev continues to inspire her. According to Farzona, the newspaper, now 96 years old, was known as “Lenin Uchquni” (Lenin’s Spark) during her grandmother’s school years. She has had nearly 30 of her works published in the paper to date.

Farzona expresses deep gratitude to the editorial team of “Tong Yulduzi”—including Feruza Adilova, Nodira Nazarova, Nurbek aka, and all staff members—for their continuous support and warm attitude toward students across the country.

She is also an active member of the “Creative Children” club under the Republican Children’s Library, where the creativity of over 234 young authors is showcased. On average, 4 to 5 children report daily that their works have been published in “Tong Yulduzi”.

A Memorable Victory in Bukhara

Since the 5th grade, Farzona has participated in many creative competitions. She fondly recalls her first victory when newspaper representatives visited her school to award her in person. Later, she received awards by post. In a recent contest jointly organized by “Tong Yulduzi” and the family of the great Bukhara poet G‘ulom Shomurod, she proudly won first place.

Accompanied by her two grandmothers, aunt, and uncle, she traveled from Fergana to Bukhara, crossing seven provinces in 15 hours. Throughout the journey, she received frequent phone calls from the newspaper staff, asking about their well-being. Upon arrival, G‘ulom Shomurod’s children warmly welcomed them and accommodated them in a prestigious hotel. The staff treated them with great respect, offering warm food and tea.

At the event, Farzona’s heart beat differently—filled with excitement and pride. She listened attentively to heartfelt words about the late poet G‘ulom Shomurod, and was deeply inspired to learn more about his works. When she was announced as the first-place winner, her joy was beyond words. She was awarded with a diploma, memorable gifts, and books, including a poetry book by G‘ulom Shomurod himself. She also received a book from Obid Qo‘ldosh, a renowned poet and journalist from Bukhara.

After the ceremony, guests gathered for a special lunch. Though the organizers wanted to give them a city tour, limited time meant the participants had to bid farewell to the “Tong Yulduzi” team and the Shomurod family.

Farzona sincerely thanks the family of G‘ulom Shomurod, especially G‘ayrat Shomurod, the editorial staff of “Tong Yulduzi”, and the administration of Jondor District, Bukhara, for organizing such a meaningful event. She was particularly happy to learn that G‘ulom Shomurod’s poetry has now been included in school textbooks, giving future generations the chance to get to know his legacy from an early age.

Conclusion

Farzona believes that finding her place and rising in the creative world would not have been possible without the guidance of her mentors—especially the devoted team of “Tong Yulduzi”.

Thank you, “Tong Yulduzi”!

— Farzona Hoshimova Ilhomjon qizi,

9th-grade student, School No. 18, Fergana City

Farzona Hoshimova Ilhomjon qizi was born on December 10, 2010, in Fergana city. She is currently a 9th-grade student at School No. 18 in Fergana. This young creative girl is a member of several national and international organizations, including the “Creative Children” circle under the Republican Children’s Library, the “Double Wings Writers’ Union” (Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan), the international “IQRA Foundation”, and the Writers’ Union of Argentina.

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