GRACIELA NOEMI VILLAVERDE is a writer and poet from Concepción del Uruguay (Entre Rios) Argentina, based in Buenos Aires She graduated in letters and is the author of seven books of poetry, awarded several times worldwide. She works as the World Manager of Educational and Social Projects of the Hispanic World Union of Writers and is the UHE World Honorary President of the same institution Activa de la Sade, Argentine Society of Writers. She is the Commissioner of Honor in the executive cabinet IN THE EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL RELATIONS DIVISION, of the UNACCC SOUTH AMERICA ARGENTINA CHAPTER.
The sleepless nightmares for a while suffocated my breath
Though slightly I could avoid death
In this life and death I found myself
Where the sun rose
A shower of lightning ascended to relieve
Who is escorted by the inhabitants of Gaza in these suffering nights?
Can the fearful faces see the light of the day still?
Though the sun rises and awakens us all everyday morning.
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.
Russian literature holds a singular place in world culture, offering profound explorations of the human soul, moral conflict, and the complexities of social change. From the early chronicles of medieval Rus to the masterpieces of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Russian writers have consistently used fiction as a mirror of national identity and universal human experience.
The “Golden Age” of the nineteenth century remains the cornerstone of Russian literary achievement. Alexander Pushkin, often called the father of modern Russian literature, established a new, flexible poetic language that bridged classical tradition and modern sensibility. His narrative poem Eugene Onegin not only shaped the Russian novel in verse but also captured the emerging tensions of a society moving toward modernization.
Following Pushkin, the great novelists—Fyodor Dostoevsky, Leo Tolstoy, and Ivan Turgenev—pushed psychological and philosophical depth to unprecedented levels. Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov delve into questions of morality, free will, and redemption. Tolstoy’s sweeping epics, War and Peace and Anna Karenina, portray the intricacies of Russian society while contemplating fate, love, and spiritual awakening. Turgenev, with works like Fathers and Sons, introduced a refined realism and examined the generational conflicts of a rapidly changing nation.
The “Silver Age” at the turn of the twentieth century brought experimentation and symbolism. Poets such as Anna Akhmatova, Alexander Blok, and Marina Tsvetaeva infused lyricism with mystical and political undertones, reflecting the turbulence of revolution and war. Meanwhile, modernist prose writers like Andrei Bely and later Mikhail Bulgakov—author of the fantastical The Master and Margarita—combined satire, magic, and philosophical inquiry to challenge official ideologies.
Despite political repression and censorship during the Soviet era, Russian literature continued to evolve. Writers such as Boris Pasternak, whose Doctor Zhivago became a testament to love and resilience, and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, whose One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich exposed the brutal reality of labor camps, kept alive a tradition of moral courage.
Today, Russian literature remains a global conversation partner. Contemporary authors, including Lyudmila Ulitskaya and Vladimir Sorokin, address issues of memory, identity, and the tension between tradition and innovation. Their works demonstrate that the Russian literary spirit—marked by psychological intensity, philosophical depth, and a search for moral truth—continues to inspire readers worldwide.
From Pushkin’s poetic breakthroughs to the postmodern experiments of the present, Russian literature endures as a vast landscape of thought and emotion, reminding us that the written word can illuminate both the darkest and most luminous corners of the human condition.
Annotation
This article provides an overview of Russian literature from its nineteenth-century Golden Age to contemporary authors. It highlights the philosophical depth, psychological insight, and moral questioning found in the works of writers such as Pushkin, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Turgenev, Akhmatova, Bulgakov, and modern voices like Ulitskaya and Sorokin. The text emphasizes Russian literature’s enduring influence on world culture and its continuing relevance in exploring the complexities of human existence.
Keywords
Russian literature; Golden Age; Silver Age; Pushkin; Dostoevsky; Tolstoy; Turgenev; Akhmatova; Bulgakov; contemporary Russian authors; psychological depth; philosophical inquiry; world literature influence.
References
Belknap, Robert L. The Genesis of The Brothers Karamazov. Northwestern University Press, 1990.
Emerson, Caryl. The Cambridge Introduction to Russian Literature. Cambridge University Press, 2008.
Figes, Orlando. Natasha’s Dance: A Cultural History of Russia. Metropolitan Books, 2002.
Kelly, Catriona. Russian Literature: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2001.
Terras, Victor. Handbook of Russian Literature. Yale University Press, 1985.
Sharifova Saidaxon Kamolliddinjon qizi was born on May 26, 2008, in the village of Kaldushon, Furqat district, Fergana region, into an intellectual family.
In 2015, she began her studies as a first-grade student at School No. 21 in Furqat district, where she is currently an 11th-grade student.
Beyond her school curriculum, Saidaxon actively participates in various extracurricular clubs. She speaks English fluently and, despite her young age, is the holder of more than 15 international and official certificates. She has also taken part in numerous projects. Moreover, her poems have been published by the official publishing house Lulu Press Inc.
Dr. Debabrata Maji’s journey is one woven with the artistry of words, the precision of engineering, and the resounding echoes of literary passion. Born on September 6, 1961, in the serene Deulpur Village of Howrah District, West Bengal, India, his life’s path meandered through the structured world of engineering before blossoming into an awe-inspiring legacy in the poetic realm. Despite pursuing a career in engineering, the written word never loosened its grip on his soul.
It was as if poetry was inscribed into his very being, waiting patiently for the right moment to erupt into brilliance. And erupt, it did. What followed was an unstoppable rise through the ranks of the World Poetic Fraternity, marking Dr. Maji as a luminary in contemporary literature. His literary prowess, distinguished by a profound sensitivity and refined craftsmanship, has been recognized far and wide. The world acknowledged his contributions by bestowing upon him fourteen Honorary Doctorates, a testament to the depth and impact of his work. Recognition followed in waves, with eleven prestigious Annual Literary Awards adorning his illustrious career – one of the most remarkable being the Silver Saraswati Statue, a symbol of divine wisdom and artistic excellence.
The weight of his influence is evident in the vast array of publications that carry his name. His unique poetic creations have graced numerous magazines, newspapers, and contemporary anthologies, reaching readers across India and beyond. His artistry, rooted in heartfelt emotions and intricate expressions, carved a distinct space within global literary landscapes. Dr. Maji’s written legacy is solidified through eight remarkable poetry collections, each bearing the coveted ISBN. His books – Kavita Bichitra, Kavita Darpan, Probad Angina, Premer Boikunth, Sonnet Bhaskar, Harano Bamsari, Smarane Manane and Dreamscape are more than literary works; they are extensions of his soul. They have found their way into the hands of eager readers, offering solace, beauty, and wisdom through poetic verses that transcend time.
The accolades are endless, honouring his artistic contributions with the most distinguished awards: Bharat Gaurav Ishan Award, International Solidarity Award, Kabi Ratna Award, Sarat Sahitya Ratna Award, Bengal Shiksha Gaurav, International Kabi Ratna Award, and many more, including the Royal of Art and Literature Award, Bishwa Bongo Sahitya Award, Golden Pen Award, Golden Star Award, William Shakespeare Award, Poet of Nature Award, and the revered Gold Poetry Prize Winner. These titles bear witness to his unwavering commitment to poetry and the sheer brilliance of his literary craft. His story is not merely about accolades or achievements – it is about a man who dared to transform life’s melodies into poetry, leaving behind an enduring legacy that will inspire generations to come.
When summer came, Aunt Anora would come to our house every evening with her granddaughter Humora to watch TV. Because there was no electricity in her hut. She would wake up at dawn in her house among the reeds and go around her yard – after all, she would take care not to let the animals eat the reeds. She would sell the reeds and help her family. Although she did not have much money, Aunt Anora could not stop working.
By the way, they had about a hundred sheep, more than seventy goats, more than thirty cows and dozens of horses – but still, Aunt Anora’s enthusiasm for work amazed everyone. The melon crops in their yard were overflowing – not only people, but even birds seemed to be waiting in line. After all, he didn’t trust anyone — “My own work, my own livelihood,” he always said.
When the sun was slowly setting below the horizon, Aunt Anora would come to our house, first opening her hands in prayer:
— Oh my God, You are kind. Don’t make me need anyone else but You. Take my life where I walk. Protect me from being a burden to someone while lying in bed. Amen… Allahu Akbar…
This prayer of his always seemed strange to me. After all, he has everything, right? If he doesn’t lack anything. Why does he ask for so much money? Unable to hide my surprise, one day I asked him sarcastically:
— Aunt, why are you so worried? In any case, we don’t have any…
He smiled, handed me the tea, and frowned:
— You’ll understand when the time comes…
At that moment, my daughter-in-law, Oisara, who was making a batch in front of the tandoor, said, “Zuhra, bring the bowls, we’ll make the soup.”
Years passed. Aunt Anora’s prayers rang in my ears. I went to study in Tashkent. However, soon after, a constant sore throat began to bother me. Sometimes I felt embarrassed in front of my friends. A year passed in such agony.
The second year of study began. But the pain in my body made me think more than the lessons. During this time, my heart would pound, I would feel weak, and my complexion would turn pale. I dropped out of school and returned home. The doctors examined me, and finally they gave me the diagnosis: pulmonary tuberculosis.
My head was spinning, my heart was pounding. Sometimes I could barely breathe. The doctors were surprised.
— This is the first time in my career that I have ever encountered such a situation, — said Sister Zaynab, her eyes sad.
My condition worsened day by day. At that time, Aunt Anora’s prayers kept ringing in my ears: “Take my life while I am walking…”. Could it be that I, too, would be bedridden and unable to drink a single mouthful of water without anyone’s help?
My heart shuddered. My limbs trembled, and my eyes filled with tears. Now I understood — no one wants to be in need, even the closest ones. Loneliness is the most painful cry in silence. For a person lying in bed, no one hears this cry. No comfort, no consolation can be a balm for your pain. Fighting illness alone is the most difficult test for a person.
One such day, I went to the window. Outside, the autumn breath was deep and the birds were chirping. But I couldn’t feel this beauty inside me. The sadness that was pressing hard on my heart was like darkness. My eyes were fixed far from the window – on the light clouds at the foot of the sky. For a moment, Aunt Anora came into my mind – she always emphasized that “One should not forget to be grateful.”
Suddenly, something trembled inside me. It was hope. Although the pain had taken over my body, my spirit had not yet been defeated. At that moment, my mother entered the room. Her gaze was as kind as if it were swallowing me, and in her hand was a bowl of hot soup. I looked at her – in this look there were a thousand words, in a thousand words there was only one plea: “I still want to live.”
She put the soup on the table and stroked my hair:
— You are strong, my daughter… You will pass this test too. As Aunt Anora said, one should not be absorbed in silence, there is life in it too.
Her words began to illuminate the darkness inside me a little. Perhaps this pain did not come to break me, but to teach me a lesson. Perhaps I am now understanding the truth that Aunt Anora said: a person should be grateful for every breath, every step, every mouthful of water.
A light whisper was heard in the silence. I did not know if it was the wind outside or the patience in my heart. But there was one truth that I knew:
Life is the realization of the blessing of opening your eyes every morning when you wake up. Every heartbeat is the belief in living.
The greatest truth that I realized during these difficult days was the wisdom hidden in Aunt Anora’s prayer.
She pleaded:
“Take my life where I am, don’t make me need anyone…”
At first, these words seemed to me just a fear of old age. But now I understand that this prayer was a request for humility before life, for the preservation of human dignity. Because lying in bed and needing someone’s help with every breath is a test not of the body, but of the soul.
I gradually began to recover. Every morning, when I wake up, I repeat Aunt Anora’s prayer:
“Oh my God, You are kind, don’t make your servant need anyone other than You…”
Now I have learned to walk with gratitude at every step, to feel life with every breath. Pain breaks the body, but patience makes a person an idol.
And I understood: sometimes one prayer changes a whole life.
Abdisattorova Hurshida was born on November 9, 1997, in the village of Olmazor, Chirakchi district, Kashkadarya region. She is currently a third-year student of Sports Journalism at the University of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Her articles have been published in the newspapers Hurriyat and Vaziyat, as well as on the websites Olamsport and Ishonch. She is also a participant of the international scientific-practical conference titled “Future Scientist – 2025.”
The development of Uzbek literature: historical periods, processes of formation and prospects
Abstract: The article analyzes the formation of Uzbek literature, stages of development, examples of classical and modern literature, changes and prospects that occurred during the period of independence from a scientific and literary point of view. Issues such as the sources of literature, stages of formation, high examples of classical literature, literature of the 20th century, literature of the period of independence, factors influencing the development of literature, and prospects of literature are considered.
Keywords: Uzbek literature, history, development, classical literature, modern literature, independence, literary studies, literary criticism, perspectives.
Uzbek literature is an integral part of the rich cultural heritage of the peoples of Central Asia and has a long history. During this history, our literature has undergone various socio-political and cultural changes, developing through its own directions, genres and styles. This article analyzes the stages of formation of Uzbek literature, development trends, examples of classical and modern literature, as well as the changes and prospects that have occurred in our literature during the period of independence from a scientific and literary point of view.
The roots of Uzbek literature go back to ancient times. Examples of oral literature include epics such as “Alpomish”, “Go’ro’g’li”, proverbs, riddles, legends, and tales that reflect the lifestyle, worldview, dreams, and moral values of the Uzbek people. These examples of oral literature have been passed down from generation to generation, laying the foundation for the formation of the Uzbek literary language and the development of artistic thought.
The formation of written literature mainly dates back to the 9th-12th centuries. During this period, literary works created in the Turkic language based on the Arabic alphabet, in particular, Yusuf Khos Hajib’s “Kutadgu bilig” (“Knowledge Leading to Happiness”), are considered one of the first written examples of Uzbek literature. “Kutadgu bilig” raises issues such as state administration, morality, justice, and acquiring knowledge, and provides important information about the socio-political and cultural life of that era.
Although there was some stagnation in literary life as a result of the Mongol invasion in the 13th-14th centuries, our literature rose to a new level in subsequent periods. In particular, the era of Amir Temur and the Temurids is recognized as the “golden age” of Uzbek literature. During this period
Great attention was paid to the development of culture and science, and cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Herat became major cultural centers.
In the 15th century, the literary activity of Alisher Navoi opened a new page in the development of Uzbek literature. Navoi turned the Uzbek language into a literary language and demonstrated its potential. His epic poem “Khamsa” (“The Five”), the divan “Khazoyin ul-maoniy” (“The Treasury of Meanings”), and the work “Muhokamat ul-lug’atayn” (“The Discussion of Two Languages”) are considered high examples of Uzbek literature. Navoi’s works widely cover such themes as humanistic ideals, justice, enlightenment, love, friendship, and patriotism.
Uzbek literature continued to develop in the post-Navoi era. Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur’s “Boburnoma”, translations and ghazals by Muhammad Riza Ogahiy, and the works of poets such as Munis Khorezmiy, Kamil Khorezmiy, Rojiy, Nodira, and Uvaysiy enriched the treasury of Uzbek literature.
The 20th century is characterized by modernization, the emergence of new directions, genres and styles for Uzbek literature. During this period, such movements as realism, romanticism, and modernism became widespread in literature. Writers such as Fitrat, Chulpon, Abdulla Qodiriy, Oybek, Gafur Ghulom, Hamid Olimjon, Zulfiya, Mirtemir, Abdulla Oripov, and Erkin Vohidov made a great contribution to the development of Uzbek literature.
Works such as Fitrat’s “O’g’uzxon”, “True Love”, Chulpon’s “Night and Day”, Abdulla Qodiriy’s “Bygone Days”, “Mehrobdan Shayon”, Oybek’s “Kutlug’ blood”, Gafur Ghulam’s “Shum Bola”, Hamid Olimjon’s “Zaynab and Amon”, Zulfiya’s “Men Seni Sevaman”, Shukur Kholmirzayev’s “On’n-sixga kirmagan kim bor”, and Abdulla Oripov’s “O’zbekiston” are considered among the finest examples of Uzbek literature.
Although literature was under ideological pressure during the Soviet era, our writers tried to reflect the pain, hopes, and national values of the people in their works. The literary works created during this period served to enrich the spiritual world of the Uzbek people and preserve their national identity.
A new generation of young writers is emerging, trying to reflect the pressing problems of modern life, the dreams and hopes of young people, and human relationships in their works.
During the period of independence, great attention is also paid to translation work in Uzbek literature. The best examples of world literature are translated into Uzbek, which serves to enrich the spiritual world of Uzbek readers. At the same time, the best works of Uzbek literature are also translated into world languages, and efforts are being made to introduce Uzbek literature to the world.
The development of Uzbek literature is closely related to many factors. Factors such as socio-political changes, cultural renewal, technological developments, improvement of the education system, development of literary criticism, activities of publishing houses, and the rise of reading culture have a positive impact on the development of our literature.
In the context of globalization, the integration of Uzbek literature with world literature, the expansion of literary ties, and the participation of our writers in international literary forums are serving to increase the prestige of Uzbek literature.
The future of Uzbek literature is bright. The achievements made during the period of independence, the opportunities created, the emergence of a new generation of writers, and the integration of our literature with world literature inspire confidence in the further development of Uzbek literature and its rise to new heights.
In the future, Uzbek literature will continue to develop such trends as understanding national identity, deeply reflecting the spiritual world of man, highlighting the urgent problems of modern life, and keeping pace with world literature. New genres, styles, and directions will emerge in Uzbek literature, a new generation of young writers will emerge, and a unique place for Uzbek literature in world literature will be formed.
In conclusion, Uzbek literature has a long and rich history, and has developed in different directions, each of which has its own characteristics. During the period of independence, our literature has reached a new level and has great potential for further development in the future. The development of Uzbek literature is closely related to the spiritual maturity of the Uzbek people, the process of understanding their national identity. Therefore, it is the duty of each of us to pay attention to our literature, support it, encourage young writers, and improve the culture of reading.
Literary studies and criticism are important in the development of literature. Literary scholars analyze literary works from a scientific perspective, determining their artistic value, ideological direction, genre characteristics, and stylistic peculiarities. Critics, on the other hand, evaluate literary works, point out their positive and negative aspects, give advice to writers, and guide the literary process.
During the period of independence, significant changes also took place in the field of literary studies and criticism. Our literary scholars gained the opportunity to analyze literary works objectively, free from ideological pressure. Our critics, in turn, gained freedom in evaluating literary works. The development of literary studies and criticism serves the qualitative growth of our literature, the improvement of the skills of writers, and the formation of the literary taste of readers.
References:
1. History of Uzbek Literature (5 volumes) Institute of Language and Literature of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan. Tashkent, 1977-1980. (The main source of Uzbek literature, a classic work of literary criticism)
2. Alisher Navoi. Khamsa Tashkent: Gafur Ghulam Literature and Art Publishing House, 1968. (Navoi’s life and work, analysis of the epic poem “Khamsa”)
3. Abdulla Qodiriy. Days gone by – Tashkent: Sharq Publishing House, 2019. (Analysis of the novel, the life and work of the writer)
4. Oybek. Kutlug’ kón Tashkent: Uzbekistan Publishing House, 2017. (Analysis of the novel, the life and work of the writer)
5. Erkin Vohidov. Selection Tashkent: Sharq Publishing House, 2016. (The poet’s life and work, analysis of his poems)
6. Abdulla Oripov. Selected Works Tashkent: Sharq Publishing House, 2018. (The poet’s life and work, analysis of his poems)
7. Zulfiya. Pages of Life Tashkent: Gafur Ghulam Literature and Art Publishing House, 1985. (The poet’s life and work, analysis of her poems)
8. Journal “Uzbek language and literature” – Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan. (Articles on literary studies)
9. “World Literature” magazine, Writers’ Union of Uzbekistan.
(Articles on world literature, translations)
10. ZIYO.UZ website (www.ziyouz.uz) Information about Uzbek literature, the life and work of writers.
11. Wikipedia (uz.wikipedia.org) Information about Uzbek literature, the life and work of writers.
12. Kitob.uz website (www.kitob.uz) – information about Uzbek literature and books
13. Google Scholar (scholar.google.com) academic articles on literary studies. Uzbek
