Аhmаdov Bekzodjon Obidjon o‘g‘li
THE BRIGHT STAR OF A NATION’S AWAKENING
In the history of Uzbek and Turkestan literature, there are remarkable figures whose names are inseparably linked with the awakening of the nation and the ideals of enlightenment and freedom. One of these outstanding personalities is Abdulhamid Cho‘lpon. He was not only a talented poet and writer, but also a courageous intellectual who lived with the pain of his nation and devoted his life to the spiritual awakening of his people.
A Path Toward Knowledge and Enlightenment
Cho‘lpon created his works under several pen names, including “Cho‘lpon,” “Qalandar,” “Mirzaqalandar,” and “Andijonlik.” Although the writer lived relatively recently, different sources provide varying information about his birth year. Some mention 1883, 1896, 1897, and 1898. According to most researchers, the most reliable date is 1898. It was in this year that he was born in the Qoraterak neighborhood of Andijan.
The poet’s father, Sulaymonqul Bazzoz, was a merchant but also one of the enlightened and progressive people of his time. Hoping that his son would follow in his footsteps, he even opened a shop for him. Cho‘lpon managed the business responsibly; however, his heart was drawn not to trade but to knowledge and literature.
Recognizing his son’s passion for learning, his father supported him wholeheartedly. Subscribing to various newspapers and journals—even those published abroad—greatly broadened the young Cho‘lpon’s worldview. He studied both in a madrasa and in a Russian-native school, distinguishing himself from an early age with his deep thirst for knowledge.
The First Steps in His Creative Journey
Cho‘lpon began writing at around the age of sixteen. His earliest articles and literary works were published in the newspapers Sadoi Turkiston and Sadoi Farg‘ona, as well as in the journal Sho‘ro, which was published in Orenburg.
Unfortunately, due to the complex historical circumstances of that period, many of the poet’s works written before the revolution have not survived to the present day. Today, only a few of his early works remain, including the articles Railways in Our Homeland Turkestan and What Is Literature?, the essay Osh, the feuilleton The Victim of Ignorance, and the short story Doctor Muhammaddiyor. Through these works, the social problems of that era, the hardships of the people, and the urgent need for enlightenment become clearly visible.
Jadidism and National Awakening
At the beginning of the twentieth century, Turkestan was experiencing a complex socio-political period. During this time, a group of enlightened intellectuals emerged from among the people, dedicating themselves to the progress and awakening of the nation. Among them were figures such as Mahmudxo‘ja Behbudiy, Abdurauf Fitrat, Abdulla Avloniy, Hamza Hakimzoda Niyoziy, and Munavvarqori Abdurashidxonov. Alongside these devoted reformers stood Cho‘lpon.
The Jadids promoted the renewal of society through education and enlightenment. They called for the development of Turkic languages, the advancement of national literature and culture, and the spread of modern knowledge. Cho‘lpon became an active advocate of these ideals. Supporting the idea of Turkestan autonomy, he participated in propaganda and awareness campaigns in various cities.
The Soul of the Nation in Poetry
Cho‘lpon’s literary works stand out for their deep reflection of the people’s spirit. His poetry vividly expresses the suffering of the nation, the hardships of the people, and their hope for freedom.
Through the following lines, the poet powerfully expresses his purpose:
I am a traveler who has set out on a long and difficult road,
On this path, my guiding star shines above me.
I am the pure strength of my homeland’s aspirations,
The rising of that star is the coming of the day.
These lines reflect not only the poet’s personal emotions but also the collective aspiration of an entire nation striving for freedom.
The Days When Justice Was Restored
During the Soviet era, patriotic writers like Cho‘lpon were subjected to persecution. Their works were banned, and their names were suppressed for many years. Yet history has a way of revealing the truth.
With the independence of Uzbekistan, the invaluable legacy of Cho‘lpon and other Jadid intellectuals was returned to the people. Today, their works are being republished, studied, and honored with great respect.
The life and творчество of Cho‘lpon remind us of an important truth: those who serve the progress of their nation are never forgotten. Even today, his works play a vital role in educating the younger generation in the spirit of patriotism, enlightenment, and free thought.
Indeed, the name of Abdulhamid Cho‘lpon continues to shine brightly in the sky of Uzbek literature. His words, his ideas, and his dreams will forever live in the heart of the nation.