Poetry from Anna Keiko

Young East Asian woman with brown eyes and reddish hair.

Meeting Myself

A door unknown

You are led inside

To where night has yet to fall

In There, you meet yourself

You tread along a steep, winding mountain path

No flowers in sight, nor does it lead to the other shore

With threads of thorns

Weave an indescribable language

November 30, 2025

Poetry from Mykyta Ryzhykh

The boy

the boy dies as if the AIDS of past happiness lives in his heart

the boy is silent until the screams on his nails turn into screams

the sky above the boy’s head bursts like a balloon

the sky falls on the heads as if the heads are still not cut down

the anus is like a water pipe: it will just flood everything around

life is like a plumbing pipe torn without an anal ring

the sky overhead repeats the weakness

the god above his head cannot explain the meaning of his presence

a sweater draped over the skin instead of a mole and a tattoo is torn

a man stands near the sign and does not know where to go next

where to? in basements where it’s easier to hide and fuck?

or move forward? or into the future that floats in its own absence

it starts to rain and the dogs get wet

I wash in the rain

I wash exclusively in the rain

I’m dying inside someone else with my name and body

I wash only in the death

I’m dying but I live

I’m rain with a soft torso

boy / me / or someone else

while around the zz skr sc cars ars

iron butterflies tear the stomach

the city tramples me with leaves

crunch outside or inside fills the air

all around say: quietly quietly

Poetry from Brian Michael Barbeito

Closeup of a wilted brown plant in the fall with grass and trees in the background.

Sometimes the Clouds and Sometimes the Angels (prose poem and picture)

at moments though it was generally overcast, the light of the sun so determinately arrived that it felt like an angel or group of angels giving a sign and blessing. I had a spinning ring silver w/several saints and divine figures and I touched it. I remembered other moments similar such as when a praying mantis out of nowhere flew across and landed beside me, watching me. it was the wings of the creature that made it appear like a fairy or angel or whatever the case, something more metaphysical than of this world. and then as life goes in cities and in rural and pastoral settings w/many blessings, the clouds resumed and even some rain and anxious strange wind had their turn and show of ruefulness and moving melancholy. but one had to take all moods of the capricious earth and learn from them by observing and remembering. like a soul that would scry the sky or an old-time sagacious psychic who had gifts of the spirit. so, step and step and step again, by the field and under late autumnal tree canopy beige and yellow and brown then…yes step again, to become a nature poet. 

Poetry from Milana Momčilović

Young Eastern European woman with long dark hair, earrings, and a black top with white dots.

IN THE SHACKLES OF YOUR SILENCE 

Under your name, the night trembles within me.

In my chest, a bound flame moans.

Like a cold darkness, love stretches me upon its rack.

Your shadow drinks my breath.

My bones remember your touch.

Within me, centuries collapse without you.

Like spilled gold, my sorrow flows.

Your eyes — two abysses above my soil.

My heart bears the shackles of your silence.

My skin is a book of your wounds.

I have written you in my own blood.

I have carried you through my own ashes.

Into your voice, I placed my final peace.

And when I sink, your shadow will remain in me.

And when I fall silent, I will still long for you.

Milana Momčilović was born on April 4, 1999 in Vrbas. She currently lives in Srbobran, a place near Novi Sad in the Republic of Serbia.

She published the collection of poetry TALISMAN.

She doesn’t like to talk about herself, so in the end she can describe herself through the verses of Sergei Yesenin: “What am I?” Who am I? I’m just a dreamer, whose sight fades in the fog and mist, I lived along the way, who can dream, like many other people on that earth.”

Poetry from Dr. Jernail S. Anand

Older South Asian man with a beard, a deep burgundy turban, coat and suit and reading glasses and red bowtie seated in a chair.
Dr. Jernail S. Anand

My Friends 

There are times 

When we slowdown 

But the water in the river 

Flows on unconcerned 

I am perhaps feeling 

My weight too much 

For my legs 

To carry 

The memories are hard 

To lay bye 

And harder still

The fears of descending uncertainties

When was I sitting alone 

Not bothered by 

Real or unreal joys

And sorrows?

My invisible friends are they

Leave me alone

Only when I am asleep

May desert me only when it is eternal.

Jernail S. Anand 

President of IAE

Essay from Xudoyberdiyeva Mohiniso

Young Central Asian woman with a pink collared shirt, earrings, and straight black hair up in a ponytail.

The Kara-Khanid State and Its Development

Student of Denov Institute of Entrepreneurship and Pedagogy

Xudoyberdiyeva Mohiniso

Annotation

The Kara-Khanid State, which emerged in Central Asia between the 9th and 12th centuries, was one of the earliest Muslim Turkic states and played a significant role in political and cultural life. During their rule, Islam spread widely, mosques and madrasahs were constructed, and trade and crafts flourished. The works of Yusuf Khass Hajib, Qutadghu Bilig, and Mahmud al-Kashgari, Divanu Lughat al-Turk, belong to this period. Although the Kara-Khanids eventually weakened, they strengthened Islamic values in the region and greatly contributed to the cultural development of Turkic peoples.

Keywords: Qutadghu Bilig, Transoxiana, Central Asia, Muslim Turkic state, Islam, culture.

Introduction

Research in this field focuses on examining the role of Turkic states in the history of Central Asia, and the Kara-Khanid Khanate occupies an important place in this process. According to scholarly studies, during the period of the Uyghur Khaganate, the Karluks—composed of three major tribes—were among its subjects. In 756–757 they grew in strength and sought to seize the throne. The internal struggle that began in 789 prevented their success, causing them to separate from the Uyghurs and migrate toward the region of Jetisu, where they later established a new khaganate.

Sources published in Chinese and Uyghur languages describe in detail the historical and ethnic situation in Central Asia before the formation of the Kara-Khanid Khanate. According to these works, the political map of the region underwent repeated changes over several centuries: internal conflicts, wars, and invasions led some states to decline while others flourished.

Main Part

Historical Context and Migrations

Chinese scholars report that after the fall of the Turkic Khaganate, large migration processes took place in Central Asia for nearly two centuries. This intensified after the Uyghur Khaganate, founded in 744 in present-day Mongolia, collapsed in 840. Several factors contributed to the downfall of the Uyghur state: internal power struggles, widespread drought, disease, and harsh winters that devastated livestock. Discontented officials allied with the Kyrgyz, attacked the royal palace, and killed the khagan. Consequently, the Uyghur Khaganate disintegrated, and its population dispersed.

A large group of Uyghurs abandoned their homeland and moved westward, eventually settling in the pastures of Jetisu. When internal unrest broke out within the Uyghur Khaganate, the Karluks were among the first to withdraw from the confederation and migrate to Jetisu—present-day southeastern Kazakhstan. According to Chinese researchers, the Karluks belonged to the “Toqquz Oghuz” (Nine Oghuz) tribal union and constituted a significant portion of the population of the Uyghur state.

By the 9th century, the Karluks had gained considerable political influence and consisted of three principal tribes: Bulak (Muyolo), Sabak (Chjisi), and Mashli (Tashli. Some scholars, including Vey Liangtao, refer to them as one of the “eleven Uyghur” groups.

Islamization and Cultural Development

By the time the Kara-Khanid State was established and began consolidating political authority, most of the population of Transoxiana and surrounding territories had embraced Islam. During this period, Islam reached a high level of development and gradually became a distinct cultural system.

This religious transformation also influenced the Turkic tribes within the Kara-Khanid realm. Due to their close interactions with the settled population of Movarounnahr, the nomadic and semi-nomadic peoples gradually adopted Islam. In Transoxiana and Khwarazm, pastoral tribes living near urban settlements accepted Islam nearly simultaneously with the settled population. Nomadic groups living along the Syr Darya and further north also converted between the 9th and 10th centuries.

According to historical sources, in 960 alone, approximately 200,000 Turkic households embraced Islam.

The rulers of the Kara-Khanid State recognized the significance of Islam and actively supported the development of Islamic culture. Satuk Kara Khan was the first Turkic ruler to convert to Islam, adopting the Muslim name Abd al-Karim Satuk Kara Khan. During his reign, numerous Turkic tribes—Karluk, Chigil, Yaghma, Khalaj, and others—converted to Islam. This process played a major role in unifying the state and shaping its political stability.

Conclusion

The Kara-Khanid State successfully united various Turkic tribes and established a strong central authority. They strengthened trade routes, enhanced economic stability, and paid great attention to cultural and scholarly development. Madrasahs, mosques, and cultural centers were built in cities such as Samarkand and Bukhara.

The Kara-Khanids actively promoted Islam, ensuring both religious and political unity within their territories. Therefore, this state represents an important stage in the consolidation of governance and the cultural advancement of Central Asia.

References

1. Irpan To‘xtaev. Kara-Khanid Silver Coins Minted in the First Quarter of the 11th Century. Tashkent, 2015.

2. Vey Liangtao. Kalaxan Wangchao Shigao, p. 72.

3. Ibid., pp. 66–73.

4. Khojaev K.A. On the Terms “Jyushing Ugu”, “Jyushing Tele” and “Jyushing Xueyhe” in Chinese Sources. Oriental Studies, Tashkent, 2004, pp. 223–228.

5. Khojaev A. Data from Ancient Chinese Sources on the Ethnic History of Central Asia. Tashkent, 2017, pp. 239–252, 356.

6. Wikipedia.

7. Ablat Khodjaev, Dilrabo Turdieva. The History of the Kara-Khanid Khanate in the Research of Scholars of the People’s Republic of China. Tashkent, 2021.

Xudoyberdiyeva Mohiniso was born on May 22, 2006, in Denov district, Surxondaryo region. She is currently a second-year student at the Faculty of History, Denov Institute of Entrepreneurship and Pedagogy.

Essay from Avazbekova Rayyonakhon

Central Asian young woman with curly dark hair and a yellow and blue top.

EFFECTIVE METHODS FOR STRENGTHENING IMMUNITY AMONG YOUTH

Annotation

This article provides a scientific analysis of the factors contributing to weakened immunity among young people and explores effective methods for strengthening the immune system. It highlights the biological functions of the immune system, the impact of a healthy lifestyle, the relationship between psychological well-being and immunity, the role of nutritional habits, and the significance of physical activity. Research results indicate that healthy nutrition, regular physical exercise, quality sleep, stress management, and avoidance of harmful habits significantly enhance immune strength.

Keywords: Immunity, youth health, healthy lifestyle, vitamins, physical activity, psychological stability.

Introduction

Youth represent the foundation of a healthy society. Their physical and mental well-being directly affects national development, social stability, and the advancement of future generations. In the context of modern globalization, increased information flow, poor nutritional habits, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and environmental challenges have negative effects on the immunity of young people. According to experts, weakened immunity leads to various infectious diseases, chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, and reduced gastrointestinal function.

Therefore, studying scientifically proven methods of strengthening immunity among youth, applying them in practice, and enhancing preventive measures remain among the most urgent tasks today.

Main Part

1. Immunity and Its Biological Importance

Immunity is the body’s ability to resist various harmful factors. It consists of innate (natural) and acquired (adaptive) immune systems. Innate immunity serves as the body’s natural defense mechanism, whereas acquired immunity forms after exposure to a disease or vaccine. During youth, the immune system actively develops; however, poor lifestyle choices and psychological stress can weaken its functioning.

2. The Impact of Nutritional Habits on Immunity

Since nearly 70% of immune functions are linked to gut activity, nutrition directly influences the state of immunity. Vitamins A, C, D, E, B-complex vitamins, as well as minerals such as iron, zinc, and selenium play a leading role in strengthening the immune system.

Widespread consumption of fast food, sugary drinks, sweets, and foods rich in preservatives among youth weakens immunity. Therefore, a healthy diet should include vegetables, fruits, buckwheat, fish, nuts, natural dairy products, and whole grains.

3. The Importance of Physical Activity and Sports

Regular physical activity improves blood circulation, activates metabolism, and strengthens the immune system. According to scientific research, at least 30 minutes of moderate daily exercise increases immune function by 25–30%. Promoting sports among young people not only encourages a healthy lifestyle but also reduces stress and improves sleep quality.

Running, swimming, cycling, yoga, and Pilates are among the most effective activities for boosting immunity.

4. Sleep Quality and Its Impact on Immunity

Sleep is the period during which the immune system restores itself. Young people who do not get sufficient sleep experience reduced lymphocyte levels, which weakens the body’s resistance to diseases.

Experts recommend 7–9 hours of quality sleep per day for youth. Excessive use of electronic devices and spending long hours online at night slow down the production of melatonin — the sleep hormone.

5. The Influence of Stress and Psychological Factors on Immunity

Young people often experience stress due to academic pressure, social media influence, interpersonal conflicts, and personal challenges. The stress hormone — cortisol — suppresses immune cell activity.

Practices such as meditation, breathing exercises, reading literature, spending time in nature, and engaging in creative activities effectively reduce stress and help strengthen immunity.

6. Consequences of Harmful Habits

Tobacco products, energy drinks, and alcohol significantly weaken the immune system. The frequent consumption of energy drinks, in particular, negatively affects cardiovascular health and increases immune dysfunction.

Promoting a healthy lifestyle among young people is crucial for preventing harmful habits.

7. The Role of Prevention and Medical Check-ups

Weakened immunity is often detected late. Therefore, young people should undergo general medical examinations at least twice a year. Vaccination, especially seasonal influenza immunization, helps support immune function and prevent infectious diseases.

Conclusion

Strengthening immunity plays a vital role in improving youth health. A strong immune system not only prevents diseases but also enhances intellectual activity, productivity, emotional stability, and social engagement. Scientific analyses show that healthy nutrition, regular physical activity, quality sleep, stress management, and avoiding harmful habits constitute the key components of strong immunity. Promoting a healthy lifestyle among young people, increasing preventive measures, and ensuring regular medical check-ups will contribute significantly to the creation of a healthy future society.

References

1. Karimova N. Youth Health and the Immune System. Tashkent, 2020.

2. Kholmatov A., Rasulov U. Foundations of Immunology. Tashkent Medical Publishing House, 2018.

3. World Health Organization (WHO). Youth Health Reports (2019–2023).

4. Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Healthy Lifestyle Program. 2021.

5. Smith J., Brown L. Nutrition and Immune Function in Youth. New York: Springer, 2022.

Avazbekova Rayyonakhon was born on March 12, 2008, in Andijan city, Andijan region of the Republic of Uzbekistan, into an intellectual family. She is a first-year student of the Andijan Branch of Kokand University, Faculty of Medical Treatment, group 25-11.