In the silence of the morning dew, Allah’s light comes breaking through. In every dawn, a promise clear, Of love divine, forever near.
The heavens vast, the earth below, Allah’s grandeur in every flow. From mountaintops to ocean deep, His presence in our hearts we keep.
The stars that twinkle in the sky, A testament to the Most High. In constellations, bright and far, We glimpse His wisdom, every star.
In the flutter of a bird in flight, Allah’s wonders come to light. In nature’s song, so pure and true, His artistry in every hue.
Through every challenge, every test, Allah’s guidance is the best. In shadows cast and sunlight bright, He leads us through the darkest night.
The Qur’an’s verses, rich and wise, A beacon under open skies. In every line, a truth profound, In Allah’s love, we’re firmly bound.
The call to prayer, a sacred sound, In every heart, His love is found. We turn to Mecca, hearts aligned, In Allah’s peace, our souls are refined.
In every act of kindness shown, Allah’s mercy is clearly known. In charity and humble deed, We plant His love, a precious seed.
So let us live in faith and grace, With Allah’s presence in every place. In every heartbeat, every breath, We find His love, that conquers death.
Gulsora Chiniqulova was born in Qoshiribot district, Samarkand region. She purchased a course on “Rebuilding a Relationship with Allah” in 2023, and as a result, she performed Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages for free and lived in Mecca for 4 months. She completed an SMM VIP course with a positive outcome and received a diploma. She also completed a computer and Photoshop course and she is currently working as a security guard.
You are the joy of my beautiful life, Your words, the motto in my strife. May your flower-like face always be bright, My kind teacher, Nozima, is a guiding light.
For us, you gave your knowledge freely, Gathering flowers from paths thorny. Your entire life you dedicated, We stand tall, by your love elevated.
Today, everyone knows my name. Your hard work brought me fame. The world recognizes me today, Thanks to the efforts you displayed.
You spread knowledge without measure, So students could grasp its treasure. Your hair turned gray with time, Ensuring we remember every line.
Your pupils eagerly attend the class, Slowly learning maps and paths. Joyfully they approach the globe, Lessons pass smoothly, hope in strobe.
So many years have flown away, No one forgets our teacher’s sway. In everyone’s mind, the names remain, Columbus, Khosrow, Bellingshausen’s fame.
A thousand thanks I say to you, For filling my life with joy so true. In every task, with Allah’s aid, I’ve understood your worth, never to fade.
Every step, I remember you, My teacher, you are healthy and true. With open hands in prayer, you stand, Supporting me with a guiding hand.
You made me who I am today, My pillar, Nozima, come what may. The healer of my wounds, you stay, My solace, Nozima, every day!
Sobirjonova Rayhona was born in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. Currently, she is a 9th grade student.
The Importance of Uzbek Folk Tales and Literary Tales
Abstract: Uzbek folk oral literature is very rich and unparalleled. It can be said without a doubt that the oral literature of each nation clearly shows its history. Therefore, if we consider folk oral literature as a spring, it can be likened to a tree nourished by this spring. Through the works of oral folk literature, people learn from the wisdom and bravery of their ancestors, and become acquainted with their great ancestors and their way of life. In folklore, the wisdom, talent, and linguistic richness of the people are manifested. Tales serve as an important source in studying the history, spiritual and cultural lifestyle, inner world, faith, social relations with other brotherly nations, customs, climate, and natural conditions of each nation.
Keywords: Uzbek folk tale, literary tale, types of tales, impact on children
A tale is one of the ancient genres belonging to the epic type, widely spread among the people, reflecting the national values, lifestyle, traditions, and customs that have been formed over centuries. Mainly narrated in prose by professional storytellers, tales have evolved into a unified poetic system with a unique artistic structure and motifs.
The term is mentioned in Mahmud Kashgari’s “Devoni Lugati Turk” and means narrating an event orally. Tales are referred to as matal in Surkhandarya, Samarkand, Fergana regions, ushuk in the districts and villages around Bukhara, varsaqi in Khorezm, and cho‘pchak in Tashkent city and its surroundings. Tales differ from other folklore genres by depicting life truths based on imagination and realistic fabrications, involving magical and enchanting elements, extraordinary events, and the supernatural bravery of heroes.
Fiction is a crucial criterion in tales, forming the basis of plot events and ensuring the resolution of conflicts. Various examples of fabrications serve an educational aesthetic function, acting as a unique artistic depiction tool. Fabrications portray events and phenomena in an unreal or real manner. Based on the participation of imaginative and realistic fabrications and their role in the plot, tales can be divided into two groups: tales based on imaginative fabrications and tales based on realistic fabrications.
The plot of a tale with imaginative fabrications is magical, while the plot of a tale based on realistic fabrications is more lifelike, depicting real events. A tale typically narrates three main goals. The first involves the hero’s bravery and defense of people’s interests against evil forces; the second narrates the hero’s love for princesses or fairies from other lands, finding medicine for the sick, and rescuing people kidnapped by dragons and demons; the third describes the hero’s struggle against injustice and oppression.
The first goal is achieved through the hero’s active effort and supernatural strength, the second with the help of magical tools assisting the passive hero, and the third through the hero’s wisdom and resourcefulness.
Folk Tales: Folk tales are rightfully considered a powerful source of historical facts, providing information about the life and social structure of a particular people. Each nation has created many instructive stories for adults and children, passing on their experiences and wisdom to the next generations.
Folk tales reflect human relationships and changes, highlighting the immutability of basic values and teaching the clear distinction between good and evil, joy and sorrow, love and hatred, truth and falsehood. A unique feature of folk tales is that the deepest social meaning is hidden in simple and easy-to-read text. They also preserve the richness of the people’s language. What kinds of folk tales are there? They can be magical, household, or often about animals.
It is often asked when the first Russian folk song was invented. This remains a mystery, and only assumptions can be made. It is believed that the first “hero” tales were about natural phenomena such as the Sun, Moon, Earth, etc. Later, they were subjected to human influence, and stories of people and animals were included in the tales. There is a hypothesis that all Russian folk stories have a real basis. In other words, some events were retold in the form of tales, changing over centuries and reaching us in the form we are accustomed to.
When comparing folk and literary tales, it should be considered that the latter appeared much later than the former. By incorporating educational ideas, European literature began rewriting folk legends in the 18th century, and by the 19th century, it became traditional to create wonderful plots. Among those who succeeded in this field, A. Hoffmann, C. Perrault, H. C. Andersen, and, of course, the Brothers Grimm are recognized as the genre’s classics.
The similarity between literary and folk tales lies in the repetition of folkloric motifs and the presence of magical attributes, but the literary development of plots and the choice of main characters strictly adhere to the author’s wishes. Moreover, in the second half of the 19th century, literary tales became very close to novellas and even short stories. The works of Russian writers like L. Tolstoy and A. Pogorelskiy and Europeans like S. Lagerlöf and L. Carroll can serve as excellent examples.
Education through Tales: Stories are written in a simple language suitable for children, developing their imagination. For the youngest listeners, tales often feature animal characters, introducing them to the lifestyle and characteristics of specific characters (e.g., Kolobok, Teremok). After reading a tale to a child, they understand the existence of good and evil, loyalty and betrayal, foolishness and cleverness. A well-chosen tale also helps parents cope with crisis situations. All tales contain a moral, through which you can help a child navigate difficult situations. After reading, discuss the hero’s actions and decisions. Positive characters possess the best qualities: hard work, cleverness, kindness, honesty, beauty.
By reading tales to children, we cultivate moral qualities such as empathy and understanding in the child. The child compares themselves to the main character, experiencing situations, showing courage, ingenuity, and compassion. “A tale is a lie, but there’s a hint in it! A lesson for good fellows!” wrote the great Russian writer A.S. Pushkin, emphasizing that a tale teaches the listener the right behavior in certain situations. Without moralizing and instructions, the child develops the right path.
Tales also help develop children’s imagination and creative thinking. Preschoolers bring simple things to life, so they love hearing about the adventures of a soap bubble or a tin soldier. Introduce the story by reading or retelling it. While reading, a preschooler learns to respect books, which is one form of upbringing. By retelling the text, the storyteller rearranges words, changes phrases, and adds comments. The main thing is to tell the story emotionally so that children listen attentively. After reading the book, it’s useful to play literary games and solve riddles to reinforce the acquired knowledge.
In the heart of Central Asia’s gleam, An Uzbek woman, like a dream, Grace and strength in every stride, In her eyes, traditions reside.
Her silken dress, adorned with care, Reflects a history rich and rare, Patterns woven through time’s thread, In each design, stories spread.
She dances with the winds of time, Her laughter, like a bell’s sweet chime, From dawn’s first light to evening’s shade, In her hands, the world is made.
With a heart both fierce and kind, She holds the wisdom of her kind, Her spirit, like the mountains strong, In her love, we all belong.
Through fields of cotton, sunlit bright, She works with passion, day to night, Nurturing the land and kin, In her toil, life’s rhythms spin.
Her voice, a soothing lullaby, Whispers secrets of the sky, Legends of the ancient past, In her words, they ever last.
An Uzbek woman, proud and free, A symbol of resilience, she, In every heart, her story flows, A timeless tale that always grows.
From the city’s bustling markets wide, To the tranquil village’s side, Her presence, like a guiding star, Shows us who we truly are.
Zarina Rizoqulova was born on August 31st, 2004, in Bukhara region. She is currently a student at the Pedagogical Institute of Bukhara State University. She is very passionate about creative pursuits. In her free time, she enjoys writing poetry, short stories, and articles.
In the cradle of the dawn’s soft light, Where dreams are woven through the night, There lies a love, both pure and deep, A mother’s heart where angels sleep.
Her hands are gentle, yet so strong, A balm for sorrows, a soothing song, In every touch, a world is found, Her love, the ever-constant ground.
Through sleepless nights and days so long, She carries burdens, sings a song, Her whispers calm the storms inside, In her embrace, the world’s at guide.
Her eyes, a mirror of the skies, Reflecting hope, where sorrow flies, With every tear, a lesson shared, In every laugh, a heart repaired.
She builds a haven, warm and bright, A beacon through the darkest night, Her love, a fire that ever burns, A light for every heart that yearns.
In every word, a promise true, Of dreams fulfilled and skies of blue, A mother’s love, so vast, so grand, A timeless touch, a guiding hand.
So here’s to her, both near and far, The quiet strength, the shining star, In every heart, her love does grow, A mother’s love, forever aglow.
Sobirjonov Dilmurod Toymurodovich was born into an intellectual family in Vobkent district, Bukhara region. He has a strong passion for creativity and is constantly supported by his parents. He enjoys writing poetry, short stories, and ghazals. His works have been published in numerous newspapers and magazines. He has participated in countless competitions and won many prestigious awards.
He is growing up to be a dedicated individual ready to sacrifice his life for his homeland. He will raise the name of his nation, Uzbekistan, to new heights, as it is his duty. The blood of his homeland flows in his veins. He aspires to be a soldier and grow into a brave and courageous son who will make the glory of Uzbekistan a legendary tale.
In the realm where science meets the sky, Where numbers dance and theories fly, Metrology stands, a guide so true, To measure the world in shades of blue.
It charts the stars, the time, the space, With precision and a steady grace, From quantum realms to cosmic light, It seeks to capture the infinite’s might.
In every tick of time’s own hand, In every grain of shifting sand, Metrology’s lens, so sharp and clear, Unveils the truths that we hold dear.
It measures moments, wide and small, From towering heights to the ocean’s fall, With instruments of steel and gold, It tells the tales that science tells.
From temperature’s rise to pressure’s fall, It gauges the earth, the sea, the sky’s enthrall, In labs and fields, its quest unfolds, The universe’s secrets, in its grasp, it holds.
With every gauge and every scale, It weaves a tapestry that never fails, To bridge the gap from thought to fact, In a world where precision is an unbroken pact.
So here’s to metrology, so wise and grand, With its compass guiding every hand, In the dance of data, it leads the way, Unraveling mysteries, day by day.
Tohirova Husnora Nurillo qizi was born on November 14, 2003, in Parkent district of Tashkent region. She is a third-year student at the Tashkent Textile and Light Industry Institute. She is a member of the XDP party, a leader of the Youth Academy, the author of 10 articles and theses, a winner of the “Golden Pen Award 2024,” and a recipient of the “M.A. Xadjinova Scholarship.”
Our regular contributor, prose writer Jim Meirose, invites Synchronized Chaos readers to review his two upcoming books. He will send PDFs to people who will provide at least 50-75 word blurbs in their blogs or on Amazon/Goodreads.
About his books:
Audio Bookies (Being published by LJMcD Communications) – Audio book creators take on recording a book which begins absorbing them into its bizarre fictional world.
Game 5 (Being published by Soyos Books) – Very experimental piece involving the efforts of residents to rejuvenate a community in decline.
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Now, for this month’s issue, Like a Flowing River.
This month’s contributions reflect how life may have ups and downs, smooth and rough patches, but mostly just keeps going.
Mahkamov Mahmudjan’s piece gives us our title. Mahkamov reminds us that life is like a flowing river, where we have influence but don’t control everything.
Jessica Barnabas Joseph reminds us that becoming who we are can be a journey. Mashhura Ziyovaddinova illustrates that the journey of life matters as much as our destinations. Wazed Abdullah presents a rhythmical ode to the constant ticking of time.
Hillol Ray describes the stability and comfort he finds in his personal and intimate spirituality and how it’s developed and informed by his mixed-race heritage. Michael Robinson speaks to the solace he has found in his faith over many years. Stephen Jarrell Williams’ work addresses being lost and found again through faith and the love of family.
Muslima Rakhmonova reflects on the support and encouragement she receives from her family and on how families can both keep children secure and empower them to build their futures. Abdamutova Shahinabonu’s short story reflects the deep love and respect between fathers and their children, even as the children become young adults and leave to pursue their dreams.
Brian Barbeito finds mythic beauty in Mother Nature, in industrial areas and even a truck collision, as well as in spring flowers and colorful fungi. Naeem Aziz outlines the life cycle, diet, and ecology of the praying mantis. Turdaliyeva Muxarram conveys the simple and colorful joy of flowers. Azimjon Toshpulatov laments the passing of the warm and flower-strewn spring. Aliyeva Matluba fashions images out of natural seeds and materials while Abdulazizov Dovudbek’s home economics paper reminds us when we should let go of stored food. Daniel De Culla crafts a myth about the creation of fish and the constellation Pisces.
Tuyet Van Do’s haiku points to the uncanny mysteries of nature and the paranormal. Nahyean Taronno continues his ghostly tale of trapped spirits and children in a haunted manor. Audrija Paul illuminates the destructive power of rain during a flood and crop-destroying storm. Praise Danjuma evokes the wildness and majesty of nature with a piece on a large and scary night-flying bird. Avery Brown presents a moment of narrative tension as futuristic cowboy characters in his novel Blood and Loyalty skirt one potential conflict to race towards another.
Lidia Popa’s piece reminds us of the mystery and wonder of poetry. Dilnura Rakhmanova poetizes about love, writing, and tulips. Kylian Cubilla Gomez’ photography captures moments of color, surprise, and interactions with the natural world. Isabel Gomez de Diego’s photography draws on themes of nature, history, and the wonder of childhood. Kande Danjuma reclaims the joy and wonder of her childhood. J.D. Nelson peers at life like a child glancing up at labels they can’t quite make out on a top shelf in his monostich poetry. Emeniano Somoza likens the moon to a lonely child drifting through the treacherous school hallways of space.
Luis Berriozabal speaks to loneliness, aging, and the power of words in his poetry. Duane Vorhees’ poetry probes themes of sensuality, romance, writers’ block and the timeless Mideast conflict.
Dilnoza Xusanova outlines the literary contributions of Erkin Vahidov to Central Asian and world literature. Abdunazarova Khushroy poetizes on the beauty of the Uzbek language. Ibrohim Saidakbar highlights the humane spirit and literary legacy of Central Asian writer Gafur Gulam. Otaboyeva Ominakhon examines Mark Twain’s use of satire in his literary works. Noah Berlatsky spoofs errors in proofreading in a humorous piece.
Ziyoyeva Irodakhon reviews the contributions of great Uzbek teacher and writer Abdulla Avloni to Central Asian and world scholarship and pedagogy. Salomova Dilfuza makes suggestions to help people optimize their learning. Guli Bekturdiyeva offers best practices for how educators can design syllabi. Abdusamatova Odinaxon offers recommendations on the best use of interviews as a tool for sociological research. Burikulova Shakhnoza remembers an inspirational teacher who motivated her to set high goals and work towards them. Sobirjonova Rayhona praises the dedication of her favorite teacher.
Axmatova Shakzoda outlines the unique opportunities and hardships of student life. Aziza Karimjonova Sherzodovna highlights the accomplishments of Uzbek students and scholars and the greatness of the nation.
Adiba Shuxratovna reviews Hossein Javid’s drama “Amir Temur” and outlines how the play highlights the nation-building work of Amir Temur through depicting both political and domestic moments of his life. Aziza Saparbaeva depicts a dramatic moment in the life of medieval Central Asian leader Tamerlane. Marjona Kholikova outlines the accomplishments of various historical Central Asian military and political leaders.
Adiba Shuxratovna’s poetry extols the virtues of the new Uzbek constitution and its respect for human rights. Mamadaliyeva Aziza celebrates Uzbekistan’s rich history and its present and future promise. Eshbekova Xurshida Anorboyevna evokes the mythical beauty and grandeur of Samarkand while Dr. Reda Abdel Rahim reminds the world of the archaeological treasure of Egypt’s Royal Tombs of Tanis and encourages us to preserve and study them. Graciela Noemi Villaverde expresses her pride in Argentina’s history and flag.
Ruxzara Adilqizi’s poetry celebrates her love for nature, her partner, her country, and her heritage. Mahbub Alam flies into the sky at sunrise on the wings of love. Elmaya Jabbarova draws on classical references to convey the intense experience of having a lover stare into one’s eyes. Maja Milojkovic finds gentle and poetic love in a garden. Mesfakus Salahin speaks to the emotional and spiritual union of a couple in love.
Lilian Dipasupil Kunimasa speaks to the futility of hiding one’s emotions. Usmonova O’giloy whispers poetry about the gentle grace of her dreams. Paul Tristram crafts vignettes of human experience from a large-hearted and compassionate place. Taylor Dibbert’s poetic speaker points out a detail that speaks to the depth of his mourning for his departed dog and thus the depth of the love they shared.
Alan Catlin’s poetry reflects the fragmented thoughts of memory and grief. Vernon Frazer adorns paper with shapes and shades of color and words in various fonts at precarious angles. Mark Young’s images play with shape and color and seem to almost represent various objects.
Nosirova Gavhar relates how music can serve as medicine for the human spirit. Sayani Mukherjee describes the sensations and images she experiences listening to classical music.
Sterling Warner evokes atmosphere, time, place, and memory with his poems on the Midwest, fungi, flora, and fauna, and the overzealous self-diagnosis made possible through pharmaceutical commercials.
Christopher Bernard critiques neoliberal philosophy for breaking down social order with its emphasis on one’s rights to the exclusion of one’s responsibilities to respect others.
Dr. Jernail S. Anand urges us to set aside extravagant philosophizing and simply live our lives. Santiago Burdon satirizes those who carry their principles beyond the point of reason with his piece on a vegan vulture.
Heather Sager takes joy in gentle, quiet moments of middle age, even as she feels off kilter and knows her body and life are slowing. Roberta Beach Jacobson’s haiku expresses observations on human nature taken from ordinary and surprising moments of everyday life.
Hillol Ray wonders about the future of humanity, if our compassion and solidarity can grow and develop alongside our technology. Mashhura Usmonova decries people who obsess over their phones to the detriment of flesh and blood relationships.
Faleeha Hassan urges others to recognize her common humanity although she’s in a traditional Muslim head covering. Bill Tope’s essay traces the changing attitudes towards the LGBTQ community in America over the past 60 years. Z.I. Mahmud outlines how Amrita Pari illustrates the isolation and longing of a queer woman in a modern city in her novel Kari. Jacques Fleury reviews a production of “Witch” at Boston’s Huntington Theater and reflects on how witches can represent those treated as “others” by modern society for various reasons.
Mykyta Ryzhykh speaks to the horrors of war and the destruction of innocence and the environment. Gozalkhan Samandarova highlights the indiscriminate destruction often caused by war and urges humans to work for peace. Bill Tope’s story highlights the senseless terror of a school shooting by portraying an incident from a child’s perspective.
Ana Bogosavljevic reminds us that even great pain and evil will not last forever and can be outlasted with patient goodness. Shaxzoda Abdullayeva takes joy in her current life and her hopes for the future, as David A. Douglas celebrates the power of community and kindness to overcome despair.
