O‘TKIR HOSHIMOV’S WORK “NOTES WRITTEN IN THE MARGINS OF A NOTEBOOK”

Abstract.
This article discusses the work “Notes in the Margins of a Notebook” by O‘tkir Hoshimov and its significance. The work calls for avoiding what is forbidden, striving for honesty, being faithful and conscientious, and acting justly. The book consists of short stories and aphoristic reflections, each of which undoubtedly has a positive influence on human spirituality.

Key words: Notes in the Margins of a Notebook, chapters, aphorisms, anecdote, truth, book.

As Jalaluddin Rumi wrote: “A book is our present life. Everyone needs it, including children. The main issue lies in choosing the right books for them. We agree with the idea that reading improperly chosen books is worse and more harmful than reading nothing at all” [1].

A book is the lamp of intellect and the wing of thought. As we read books, our spirituality becomes richer, our worldview broadens, and our intellect sharpens. If we stop reading, we remain in darkness and lose the sense of direction. When our path is dark, we fall into depths and become unable to act independently without relying on others’ opinions. In short, we may turn into a “mankurt” who has forgotten his identity and past. A person who reads books, however, can overcome any obstacle in any situation, because books are full of mysteries and wisdom. As Amir Temur once said: “A book (a manuscript) is the foundation of all creativity, construction, intellect, knowledge, and wisdom; it is the educator who shapes life” [2].

Research objective is to provide a brief overview of the work “Notes in the Margins of a Notebook.” When we look at the creative heritage of the writer and public figure O‘tkir Hoshimov, we see that almost all his works call people to justice, enlightenment, and goodness, sowing the seeds of light in the heart. In nearly all his works, the greatest figure — the Mother — is honored and praised. He never writes about a topic whose essence he does not understand. He portrays his characters sincerely, as living and realistic people, revealing not their outward appearance but their inner world. He analyzes their spiritual state in harmony with the environment and the era through deep philosophical reflection, interpreting human suffering in all its aspects: emotional state, attitude to life and people, thoughts, inner experiences, and even love [3].

Discussion and results.
Although O‘tkir Hoshimov dedicated this work to his wife O‘lmasxon, his sharp взгляд did not ignore the difficult days that befell our nation. Each short story in the book is like an inscription written on the pages of the notebook called life, full of bitter truths. Everyone writes such notes according to their worldview. Some live honestly and purely throughout their lives yet never see prosperity, but leave behind a good name. Others live selfishly and unjustly, yet are regarded by some as “great people.” The main idea of the work is that no one can escape the guardian called Truth. Wherever one may be, with whomever one may be, truth always remains truth.

Most importantly, the work presents situations that may seem amusing at first glance but are deeply tragic upon reflection. For example, in the anecdote “Incompetence,” which is presented with sharp humor:

A tale from the 1960s: In ancient times, a precious jewel disappeared from the treasury of a king. Merchants from other lands were arrested on suspicion, and guards with drawn swords were placed over them. By coincidence, four Uzbek merchants were also arrested, but no guards were assigned to them. When asked why, they replied: “They do not need guards — if one tries to escape, the other will catch him.”

A joke from the 1970s: A question was asked to Armenian Radio: “At an exhibition in Paris, three-star Armenian cognac won a gold medal. Why did the five-star one receive nothing?” The answer was: “We ourselves are surprised! Both were poured from the same barrel!”

The tragedy of the 1980s: The repression known as the “Uzbek affair” took place. Thousands of innocent people were imprisoned and exiled. Uzbeks were labeled as “falsifiers,” “bribe-takers,” and “dependents” — not because they were truly guilty, but because of their indifference, their inability to unite, and their incompetence.

The question of the new millennium: “When shall we unite? When?” [4]

While reading this humorous anecdote, you may smile, but painful thoughts inevitably arise. It reminds us of the tragic period when our land became a colony of Tsarist Russia. At that time, some weaknesses of the Uzbek people, which we may not admit, were revealed. This is not meant as a negative judgment of the Uzbek people, but it is clear that dependence on others resulted from incompetence and disunity. Yet, fortunately, bright days have come, although bitter memories remain. We must not repeat the mistakes of the past. These hardships served as valuable lessons and experience for us.

On the other hand, the Uzbek people also possess virtues that wash away such shortcomings. As evidence, we may cite the story “Andisha” (Consideration):

“Our ancestors used to warn: ‘Never build your hearth against your neighbor’s wall. If the smoke from your fire irritates your neighbor’s eyes, the food you eat will be unlawful.’ … What more proof is needed to demonstrate the Uzbek sense of consideration?” [5]

This shows how honest, pure, and God-fearing our ancestors were. The story emphasizes that no one should seek benefit from another’s harm. In short, this work has a great educational influence on readers, as it reveals the truths of life as they are, without exaggeration or embellishment. Each story and each aphoristic line deserves to become a separate book. While reading, one sometimes sinks into deep thought, sometimes sheds tears. This work is a collection of wisdom accumulated throughout the author’s life and lessons that will guide us throughout our own lives.

References:

1).© Hikmatlar.uz [1] 

2).https://yuz.uz>news>kitob–hayot….[2]

3)Arxiv.uz [3] 

4)O’tkir Hoshimov ,,Daftar hoshiyasidagi bitiklar ʼʼ Toshkent—2024 [4;5].

Ruziyeva Nigina San’at kizi is a 2nd year student of the primary education department of the Shahrisabz State Pedagogical Institute. To date, she has authored more than 15 articles. She is the owner of the “El-yurt a’lochosi” badge. She is a delegate of several official projects such as “Jutice code”, “Kelajak ofisi”, “Eco-kahramon”. She is a member of the “Yoshlar akademiyasi”, “Intellektual yoshlar”, “ShDPI Yosh Liderlari”, and “Yosh islohotchilar kengashi”. She also holds a national certificate of B and B+ levels.