John Dorsey is the former Poet Laureate of Belle, MO. He is the author of several collections of poetry, including Which Way to the River: Selected Poems: 2016-2020 (OAC Books, 2020), Sundown at the Redneck Carnival, (Spartan Press, 2022, Pocatello Wildflower, (Crisis Chronicles Press, 2023) and Dead Photographs, (Stubborn Mule Press, 2024). He may be reached at archerevans@yahoo.com.
Where the Warmth Comes Not from Radiators, but from People: Chorsu Awakens!
Bustling life, the lively exchange between seller and buyer, the noise of hundreds of conversations, Assalomu alaykum – the motto of everyone in this beautifully historic place.
It’s just past five in the morning. The air is still warm, touched by a cool breeze that sends a light shiver through the skin. While some people are only beginning to wake up, life at Chorsu is already in full swing. Vendors’ hands are deep in dough, while buyers clutch white plastic bags filled with fresh herbs sticking out on top, alongside warm, delicious flatbreads. This is not just a marketplace – it’s a way of life, like a massive mansion where millions of different people live together each day.
“Come here, daughter! I’ve got tasty khanym – just give it a try!” shouts a woman in a green apron and headscarf. At the same time, she gives change, places a fresh portion of food on a plate topped with onions, and manages to smile warmly and kindly.
The Uzbek bazaar Eski Juva (Chorsu) is not about buying and leaving. It’s an ancient theatre, formed over 2,000 years ago in the heart of the old city, at the crossroads of four trading streets.
Since ancient times, it has served as a convenient gathering place for merchants from many countries. Here, anyone could sell their crafts, food, clothing, and more. This tradition has been passed down through generations, which is why every tourist visiting Uzbekistan eagerly awaits their chance to visit the bazaar – to become a participant and a member of this living family. It’s a place where grandmothers argue over the price of potatoes, grandfathers discuss football and the latest news while browsing goods, girls try on dresses made of adras and atlas, and boys pick out their perfect tubeteika.
“I’m here every Saturday. Not to buy – to chat,” says Hikmat-ota, playing backgammon right on a carpet spread over the asphalt. “Chorsu is like a mini Uzbek mahalla, filled with bright colors. Everyone here belongs.”
Here, you don’t just buy food – you experience the real atmosphere of Uzbekistan. Stalls overflow with mountains of raisins and figs, rows of pahlava and nuts, spices of every shade and aroma – from the sharp scent of zira to the rich fragrance of saffron.
This bazaar is more than just a place of trade – it’s a mirror of the Uzbek soul, where every respected vendor is something of a philosopher, and every customer is not a guest, but a neighbor. Here, people know how to slow down, how to listen, and how to genuinely enjoy meeting each other.
By evening, the shopping bags are heavier, but the mood is lighter. And as the sun dips lower and the market begins to exhale after the day’s hustle, it becomes clear: Chorsu is not just a market.
It is the heartbeat of the city, its soul. It is the living memory of Tashkent, where every morning begins with a friendly shout, a hot flatbread, and the feeling that you are home.
Sultonova Mohidil, student of journalism and mass communications
Raising Eco-Conscious Leaders: My Journey with the ʼʼEcoMarathon ʼʼProject
In a world grappling with climate change, pollution, and the degradation of nature, the importance of environmental awareness cannot be overstated. Among the many initiatives working toward a greener planet, the ʼʼEkoMarathonʼʼ stands out as a remarkable and impactful project that not only educates youth but also transforms them into active defenders of the environment. I am honored to have been part of this inspiring journey.
The EkoMarathon is the brainchild of the dynamic and visionary Xusayn Tursunboyev—a person who wears many prestigious titles and plays several key roles in the field of youth activism and environmental advocacy. He is a member of the Youth Parliament, part of the TOP 20 Eco-Activists, recipient of the Ulughbek State Scholarship, the first-ever laureate of the Nature Protector Award, mentor-trainer at @uva_uz, Chairman of the Youth Ecologists Council (@yoshekologlar), and founder of the @ekonuruz and its flagship initiative, the ʼʼEkoMarafonʼʼ.
Launched in 2023 by the ECONUR team, the project has already completed ten successful seasons, growing in impact and recognition with each passing year. It is designed not only to equip young people with theoretical knowledge about ecology but also to guide them in putting that knowledge into practice. The project instills responsibility, awakens love for nature, and creates a ripple effect by encouraging participants to initiate their own environmental efforts within their communities.
My First Step Into a Green Future
I became part of this movement during its 7th season, and currently, I am proud to be participating in the 10th season as well. Thousands of young people apply for each season of the marathon, yet only 150 delegates are carefully selected based on merit, commitment, and potential to make a difference. The competitive nature of the selection process itself speaks volumes about the credibility and seriousness of the project.
Participating in the 7th season was a turning point in my life. Before that, I had a general interest in nature, but the EcoMarathon deepened my understanding and strengthened my emotional connection to the environment. It turned my curiosity into a calling. As a result, I not only became more environmentally responsible in my daily life but also took the initiative to create my own project called EkoZakovat, which focuses on ecological knowledge and awareness through educational games and challenges.
What Makes the EcoMarathon Unique
The EcoMarathon is structured as a 3-day program. Though it is technically an online project, the actual activities and assignments are performed offline by the participants, ensuring practical engagement. Delegates are divided into teams, each supervised by coordinators who monitor progress, ensure participation, and maintain discipline throughout the program.
Despite the online nature of coordination, the atmosphere is incredibly vibrant and unifying. In just three days, strangers from different corners of the country become like a family—sharing experiences, solving real-life ecological challenges, and motivating each other to do better. One of the most admirable features of the project is its balance between strong discipline and a supportive environment. Delegates who do not fulfill their responsibilities are respectfully removed, maintaining the quality and seriousness of the marathon.
The sessions include hands-on ecological training, creative challenges, recycling activities, awareness campaigns, and much more. The training sessions are delivered by environmental experts and mentors who offer valuable insights into various ecological issues and solutions. Each day of the marathon is carefully planned to be meaningful, motivational, and memorable.
EcoMarathon’s Deeper Impact
The EcoMarathon is not just about cleaning up parks or planting trees—it is about changing mindsets. It encourages participants to see the environment not as a separate entity, but as an extension of themselves. It teaches us that every small action, from using reusable bags to conserving water, can have a meaningful impact if multiplied across society.
Moreover, the project fosters leadership, communication, teamwork, and time management skills. Delegates learn to handle pressure, cooperate with people from diverse backgrounds, and take ownership of responsibilities. These are life-long skills that serve well beyond the ecological context.
The ripple effect is truly visible—many former participants have gone on to lead their own eco-initiatives, conduct local training sessions, and become influential voices in their communities for sustainable living.
My Personal Growth Through the Project
Looking back, I can confidently say that being a part of the EcoMarathon helped shape who I am today. It was not just a program I attended—it was a transformational experience. It changed my perspective on life, strengthened my belief in youth power, and most importantly, showed me that even a single individual can contribute to global change.
I still remember how nervous I was before my first season. But within the first day, I realized I was in a space where everyone shared the same dream—a greener, cleaner, and more conscious world. That sense of unity, shared purpose, and boundless energy still motivates me today.
After my 7th season, I continued to stay active in ecological work. I volunteered for other environmental events, helped organize eco-quizzes, and even mentored younger students who were interested in environmental protection. I now feel a sense of responsibility not only to nature but to future generations.
The Power of Youth and the Road Ahead
The EcoMarathon proves that youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the changemakers of today. When given the right guidance, tools, and opportunities, they are capable of tackling the world’s biggest challenges. Projects like the EcoMarathon are essential in building this bridge between knowledge and action.
As the 10th season continues, the dream is to expand the program even further—to reach more young people, create more awareness, and amplify the impact. The organizers hope to one day involve hundreds, if not thousands, of delegates per season, bringing ecological education into the mainstream of youth development.
I deeply support this vision. I believe that if every young person could go through an experience like the EcoMarathon, we would be living in a vastly different world—one where empathy for the planet is a natural part of our daily decisions.
Final Reflections
In conclusion, the ʼʼEkoMarathonʼʼ is more than just a project; it is a movement. A movement that brings together knowledge, action, and emotion in the most powerful way. It awakens the inner environmentalist in each participant and empowers them to carry that fire into the real world. For me, it wasn’t just a season of training—it was the season where I found purpose.
I am grateful to Xusayn Tursunboyev and the ECONUR team for their relentless efforts, their belief in youth, and their dedication to making this world a better place. The EcoMarathon is a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets purpose, and when young hearts come together for a common cause.
As I continue on my own journey of environmental activism, I carry with me the lessons, memories, and friendships built during the EcoMarathon. I hope my story inspires others to participate, to care, and most importantly—to act.
Because the future of our planet begins with the choices we make today.
Surayyo Nosirova Elyor qizi was born on May 13, 2006, in the Narpay district of the Samarkand region, Uzbekistan. From an early age, she showed a deep interest in literature, languages, and creative expression. Her passion for learning and writing became evident during her school years, where she actively participated in various academic, literary, and cultural activities. Currently, Surayyo is a first-year student at the Uzbekistan State University of World Languages, specializing in English Philology and Teaching. She is known for her strong academic performance and her dedication to mastering the English language. Her commitment to education extends beyond the classroom—she is the author of three published books: Heartfelt Thoughts, Voices in Writing, and Beyond Words: Mastering English. Each of these works reflects her insights into language learning, writing skills, and the emotional depth of student life. In addition to her books, Surayyo has written numerous articles.
A mother had a daughter and a son. Since her son was little, he used to play ambulance a lot. When the mother noticed this, she said: “My son will become a doctor.” The mother then directed her son to the medical field. When he grew up, he studied medicine. Thus, he became a qualified doctor. The mother married off her daughter and raised her son. The son’s wife kept saying to her husband, “Let’s buy a separate house and live separately.” One day, the son told his mother what his wife had said. The mother agreed, saying: “Okay, my son, live separately.” The son and his family moved to another house. The son gradually paid less attention to his mother and received less news. One day, the son had a dream. His dream was as follows: one day, there was a call. The son and his assistant were The ambulance was driving to the address given. The driver turned the steering wheel to the street where the boy’s mother lived.
At that moment, the boy’s body was filled with great anxiety. The driver stopped the car in front of the house where the boy’s mother lived and said, “This house.” The boy hurriedly entered the house and when he entered the room… he saw his mother lying dead on the floor. At that moment, the boy woke up. The boy said that it was a wonderful dream. He quickly dressed and went to his mother. He went and hugged his mother tightly, tears welling up in his eyes and said, “Mom, I love you.”
The mother said to her child, “I love you too.” When the boy came to himself, the mother asked, “What happened, my child?” The boy told her about the dream he had. After saying that, the son said, “Mom, I will not leave you alone anymore, we will live with you now.” The mother hugged her son again and said, “Oh, my child.” “My child,” he said. Dear ones, let’s not forget that parents are a blessing. Before it’s too late, pay more attention to your parents now, make them happy, tell them that you love them every day, every hour if possible. May that dream not come true for you!…
Yuldasheva Oyshakhon was born on May 28, 2011. She lives in the Sabo neighborhood of Yangiyul city, Tashkent region. She is currently an 8th grade student at Yangiyul city, Secondary School No. 3. She is an active participant in various events, competitions and science Olympiads held at the school.
The path I have chosen is for the future of children.
Every time I hear the laughter of children, something flutters in my heart. As if a voice inside me says: “That’s why you live.” They are innocent, pure, sincere.
One of their tears shakes the world, one of their smiles warms the heart.
I want to live for children. Not just that – as a person who listens to their pain, heart, and breath. I want to protect them. That’s why I chose Pediatrics.
This profession requires not only knowledge, but also heart, love, and patience. You can’t just treat a child – you also need to understand him. You need to look into his fearful eyes and give him confidence.
Being a doctor is not just about writing prescriptions, it’s about giving love, receiving blessings, and being a reason to live. Even though I’m still a student, I’m learning slowly. Every lesson, every page of a book brings me closer to my dreams. Every night I memorize terms, every morning I wake up – all this is for the future I want.
Sometimes I get tired, cry, and suffer. Questions like “why did I choose this profession?” also arise inside me. But suddenly my parents’ voices are heard, and every time I write to my father, they say: “Daughter, you will grow up, you are our greatest hope, we trust you, you will justify our trust.” These words give strength to my heart. In fact, the biggest reason for me to choose this profession is my father. My father’s faith in me, his dreams, and his prayers will not stop me from my path. I did not choose this path by chance. My heart chose this path. For the children, for the future, and above all, for the trust in my parents.
Rushana Raupova Sanjar qizi was born on May 7, 2005 in Yakkabag district of Kashkadarya region. Currently she resides in Tashkent city. She is a 2nd year student of the Faculty of Pediatrics of Tashkent State Medical University and participated in the international anthology in Turkey. Her articles are being published in the international anthology.
