Eva Petropoulou Lianou interviews painter Vivian Daouti

Tell us about yourself, dear Vivian.

How did you start painting? 

Painting entered my life at a very young age as a way to express my emotions.

 What is your inspiration?

 My inspiration is the human being, feelings, and even something simple like a song.

2. What is the message you want to give through your art? 

Through my works, I want to capture the viewer’s interest and create a feeling, either positive or negative.

Where is your inspiration coming from?

 My inspiration comes from my daily life and my emotions.

3. Do you believe that new generation is creating art? 

I believe that the new generation has talent and creativity

Do we have good painters or not? 

There are many remarkable young artists who create with passion and authenticity.

4. How have you felt when you see your Art awarded in Art media event this February?

It was a moment of emotion and gratitude. I felt that the effort and love I put into my creations were recognized. At the same time, it was a motivation to continue with even greater strength.

5. Do you want to share with our readers a phrase that changed your life:

“Live in the present and do not be afraid of the future.”

6. What is your future project?

In the future, I would like to study at the School of Fine Arts and then continue to be actively involved in the art field.

…..

Biography 

Vivian Daouti is 19 years old and comes from Platanos, Ancient Olympia, Greece. She is a high school graduate and currently in her second semester at the Educational Union (SAEK) of Athens. She holds a Proficiency diploma in English and is a self-taught painter.

At the age of 17, she participated in a painting exhibition for the first time, where she received an award and highly positive reviews, while several of her works entered private collections. Despite her young age, she has already taken part in twenty-four group exhibitions in Greece and abroad — Austria, Istanbul, Turkey, Athens, Pyrgos, Naousa, Paros, Syros, Ancient Olympia — earning distinctions and honorary awards.

In March 2025, she received the 1st Audience Award at the Pan-European Dreamteam Competition at the War Museum of Athens. The award was presented by the Mayor of Ancient Olympia, Mr. Aris Panagiotopoulos. On the occasion of this distinction, the Metropolitan of Ilia, Mr. Athanasios, as well as the Directorate of Secondary Education of Ilia, sent her congratulatory letters for her artistic course and for representing her school at the art exhibition in Istanbul.

In August 2025, she participated in a group exhibition in Ancient Olympia that lasted 24 days and attracted high attendance and warm reviews.

In September 2025, she held her first solo exhibition at the Latsio Municipal Hall of the Municipality of Pyrgos, which drew impressive attendance and very positive feedback from the public and art institutions.

In January 2026, she presented her second solo exhibition in Ilioupoli, Attica, with great success.

In February 2026, she was awarded for the second consecutive year with the 1st Audience Award at the Pan-European DREAMTEAM Art Competition at the War Museum of Athens.

Her works have been published in collectible books, international painting volumes, as well as in print and digital media. At the same time, she participates with her work in the commemorative French edition of the historical volume on the life of the Dredes.

She is a collaborator of the creative group “Grypiotis Collection.”

Her goal is to study at the School of Fine Arts and to explore different cultures through travel, exhibitions, and museums around the world.

Essay from Gayratova Dilnavo

The Voice That Still Inspires: The Enduring Legacy of Zulfiya

In the tapestry of Uzbek literature, certain voices weave themselves so deeply into the national soul that they become timeless. One such voice is that of Zulfiya Isroilova, a poet whose words continue to serve as a beacon of strength, dignity, and hope for generations. She was not merely a writer; she was the embodiment of the Uzbek woman’s spirit—resilient in the face of tragedy and unwavering in her devotion.

Zulfiya’s life and work were defined by a “quiet bravery.” After the early loss of her beloved husband, the great poet Hamid Olimjon, she did not succumb to despair. Instead, she transformed her grief into a universal language of loyalty. In her famous lines from the poem “O’g’lim, sira bo’lmaydi urush” (My son, there shall be no war) or her moving elegies, she captured the inner world of a woman who carries the weight of the world with grace. Her poetry reminds us that faithfulness—to one’s family, one’s values, and the motherland—is the highest form of courage.

What makes Zulfiya’s legacy truly extraordinary is her refusal to portray women as fragile. In her verses, women are depicted as strong-hearted architects of the future. They are mothers who nurture the nation, daughters who carry the flame of dreams, and intellectual companions who stand equal in the journey of life. As she once beautifully reflected, a woman’s heart is capable of containing the entire universe’s warmth, even during the coldest winters of hardship.

For today’s youth, Zulfiya is more than a historical figure; she is a modern role model. In a rapidly globalizing world, she teaches us that one can achieve international literary acclaim while remaining deeply rooted in cultural identity. The Zulfiya State Prize, established in her honor, is a testament to this ongoing inspiration, encouraging thousands of young girls across Uzbekistan to pursue education, creativity, and leadership. Her life proves that when a woman finds her voice, she doesn’t just change her own destiny—she elevates the entire society.

The voice of Zulfiya still echoes in our hearts today. Her legacy is a celebration of spiritual strength and national pride. As long as her poems are recited, her spirit will live on, whispering to every girl that she possesses an inner power capable of changing the world. Zulfiya did not just write poetry; she wrote the manifesto of the modern Uzbek woman.

Uzbekistan State World Language University English Philology Faculty, first year, 2513-group, Gayratova Dilnavo. 

Poetry from Türkan Ergör

Young Turkish woman with blonde hair, a headband, a black top, and long necklace.

DREAM 

Sea 

It would distribute its hairs 

To the end of its waves 

Its hairs would come and go 

Its sounds would be heard 

Of its waves 

And 

Of its hairs 

It would tell a lot 

It was like a dream 

But 

The only truth that did not change 

The presence of the sea.

Türkan Ergör, Sociologist, Philosopher, Writer, Poet, Art Photography Model. Türkan Ergör was born 19 March 1975 in the city of Çanakkale, Türkiye. She was selected International “Best Poet 2020”. She was selected International “Best Poet, Author/Writer 2021”. She was selected International “Best Poet, Writer/Author 2022”. She was awarded the FIRST PRIZE FOR THE OUTSTANDING AUTHOR IN 2022. She was awarded the 2023 “Zheng Nian Cup” “National Literary First Prize” by Beijing Awareness Literature Museum. She was awarded the “Certificate of Honor and Appreciation” and “Crimean Badge” by İSMAİL GASPRİNSKİY SCIENCE AND ART ACADEMY. She was awarded the “14k Gold Pen Award” by ESCRITORES SIN FRONTERAS ORGANIZACIÓN INTERNACIONAL.

Essay from Odiljonova Mohlaroyim Iqboljon qizi

THE SOUND OF THE DO’MBIRA AND THE POWER OF THE WORD: UZBEK EPIC TRADITION IN THE SCHOOLS OF BUKHARA, KHOREZM AND FERGANA

ODILJONOVA MOHLAROYIM IQBOLJON QIZI

Kokand State University, Faculty of Humanities and Languages

“Uzbek Language and Literature” Department, Group 102, First-Year Student

Abstract:

This article is devoted to the study of the differences and commonalities among the three great centers of epic art, which constitute a fundamental layer of Uzbekistan’s national culture — the schools of Bukhara, Khorezm, and Fergana (Qashqadaryo–Surkhandaryo). It analyzes the historical conditions of each school, their distinctive performance styles, including musical instruments and vocal techniques, as well as the thematic characteristics of the repertoire of their leading representatives (bakhshis). The main objective of the research is to highlight the powerful role of this unique heritage in shaping the “national spirit” of the Uzbek people through a comparative analysis of epic schools from the perspective of modern literary studies.

Keywords: Schools of epic art, Bukhara, Khorezm, Fergana, do’mbira, power of the word, bakhshi, jirov, epic, melody, oral tradition.

During the years of independence in Uzbekistan, large-scale efforts have been undertaken to preserve the masterpieces of intangible cultural heritage created on the basis of our people’s rich artistic creativity, to revive the ancient traditions of oral folklore, and to consistently develop national values. In cooperation with creative associations, the best examples of bakhshi and epic performers’ works are being widely promoted. At the same time, there remains a need to thoroughly study the history of bakhshi and epic art, to conduct fundamental research in this field, and to implement further measures for collecting and publishing monuments of oral folk creativity.

Epic art is a literary genre that figuratively expresses the dreams, struggles, love, and beliefs of the people and has been performed orally by bakhshis. In different regions, epic performance developed in distinctive ways, forming unique styles of performance, repertoire traditions, and bakhshi practices. On this basis, epic schools emerged. These schools not only preserved oral literary examples but also played an important role in developing them and passing them on to younger generations. Schools such as Kokand, Khorezm, Sherobod, and Namangan (Fergana Valley) are among these rich cultural centers. By the 20th century, the demand for bakhshis and epic performers in cities gradually declined. However, in rural areas, this ancient tradition has continued to thrive. In particular, epic recitations became customary during major national projects such as the construction of the Great Fergana Canal and large reservoirs, as well as during festivals. Many epics were not created by a single author; they were shaped among the people based on oral epic traditions. For this reason, epic schools developed in certain regions.

The meaning of the word “bakhshi” is explained in some sources as deriving from Mongolian and Buryat “bakhsha” or “baghsha,” meaning teacher or enlightener, and from the Sanskrit “bhikshu,” meaning dervish or ascetic. In Uzbekistan, it refers to an artist who memorizes and performs songs and epics, transmitting them from generation to generation. The term “bakhshi” is sometimes also used in the sense of a shaman. In general, epic performers are also referred to as yuzboshi, soqi, sannovchi, or jirov. Bakhshis are mainly divided into two categories: performing bakhshis and creative bakhshis. Performing bakhshis render the epics they learned from their masters with minor variations, while creative bakhshis compose new epics based on oral epic traditions. Such bakhshis are also called poet-bakhshis. Among them are Ergash Shoir, Fozil Shoir, Po’lkan Shoir, Abdulla Shoir, and Xidir Shoir. Bakhshis perform epics and songs accompanied by instruments such as the kobyz, do’mbira, and dutar.

The harmony of word and melody in bakhshi art has played a significant role in raising young people to become brave, courageous, and patriotic individuals. According to oral accounts, military leaders would take bakhshis with them on campaigns to inspire soldiers’ bravery, courage, and devotion to the homeland.

In our country, the tradition of epic performance historically developed in three directions.

The first direction was in the Bukhara epic schools, where epics were performed solo with do’mbira accompaniment, using a guttural voice.

The second direction was in Khorezm, where epics were performed sometimes solo and sometimes in pairs, accompanied by instruments such as the tor, dutar, gijjak, bulamon, qoshnay, and doira, using an open vocal style.

The third direction was characteristic of the Fergana Valley, where epics were performed in an open voice accompanied by the dutar.

1. The Bukhara School – A Bright Expression of Eternal Tradition

The Bukhara epic school represents a tradition where the custom is sovereign, and the bakhshi is its faithful representative. For a Bukhara bakhshi, the epic text is like a jewel polished over centuries; it is impossible to add or remove even a single word. They believe that even if the world changes, truth remains unchanged. In this region, heroic epics such as “Alpomish” and “Go’ro’g‘li” resound powerfully. Rather than melody, the emphasis is placed on high spirituality and the intense struggle of brave heroes. Even in romantic epics such as “Tohir and Zuhra,” human dignity stands above mere lamentation.

2. The Khorezm School – The Harmony of Heart and Melody

The Khorezm school transforms words into melody. While Bukhara relies on the firmness of the text, Khorezm immerses it in a river of lyrical emotions. The plaintive sounds of the dutar and tor turn the epic from a mere narrative into a living spiritual experience. The Khorezm bakhshi feels the hero’s pain as his own and conveys it deeply to the listener. Figures such as Ergash Jumanbulbul o‘g‘li and Po’lkan Shoir are widely known in this region. Moreover, bakhshis such as Yakka Ahmad, Quronxon, and Oysuluv performed “Alpomish” with unique refinement. They not only performed the epic but also recorded it in written form, making it part of literary heritage.

3. The Fergana School – The Brightest Example of Improvisation

The Fergana epic school is characterized by lively dialogue and free expression. This style is dynamic and flexible, drawing strength from life itself rather than strict textual rules. In Fergana, the bakhshi is a skilled conversationalist who engages directly with the audience. Rather than only recounting ancient heroes, he incorporates contemporary joys and concerns into his verses, creating new lines spontaneously according to the mood of the listeners.

The village of Ko‘libuqon is considered a cradle of this art. Masters such as Beqjon Bakhshi, Cho’tboy Bakhshi, and Mahmud Buva have passed down the rich traditions of this school from generation to generation.

Conclusion:

Uzbek epic art is a unique heritage formed over centuries, reflecting each region’s socio-cultural life, historical past, and popular beliefs. The Bukhara, Khorezm, and Fergana epic schools examined in this research demonstrate the multifaceted and diverse nature of this art. The Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated May 14, 2019, “On Measures for the Further Development of Bakhshi Art,” laid the foundation for in-depth study of the scientific-theoretical and practical aspects of bakhshi art, restoration and development of master-apprentice traditions, and preservation of distinctive performance styles. As a result, the “Republican Center of Bakhshi Art” and the “Fund for the Development of Bakhshi Art” were established (although one of the main locations of the Center is the city of Termiz, its activities cover all epic schools).

The Bukhara school is distinguished by Islamic epic plots, religious-didactic spirit, and rich Sufi symbolism. Here, epics served as a means of conveying deep spiritual meaning.

The Khorezm school stands out for its maqom traditions, complex musical instruments such as the tanbur and gijjak, and its high level of professional performance. It harmonized epic and lyrical narratives with instrumental music, enhancing their artistic value.

The Fergana school, mainly accompanied by kobyz and dutar, vividly reflected daily life and heroic ideas through various genres such as tales and lyrical-dramatic epics, with a strong tradition of storytelling.

Each of these three central regions contributed its own style, themes, and performance traditions to epic art, creating a unified yet ideologically and artistically rich panorama of Uzbek epic heritage.

The sound of the do’mbira and the power of the word represent not merely the union of music and text, but the memory of the people, the national spirit, and a means of spiritual education passed from generation to generation. They have played an incomparable role in preserving the spiritual independence, devotion to values, and worldview of the Uzbek people to this day. Preserving this art form and supporting its schools means ensuring the continuity of our national culture.

In conclusion, every epic performed to the sound of the do’mbira is the poetic response of the Uzbek people to existence. The true power of this art lies in its ability to connect the past with the future, offering each new listener the opportunity to find answers to fundamental questions of time, space, and self.

LIST OF USED LITERATURE:

Safarov O., Jamilova B., Safarova N. Children’s Literature and Folklore. – Tashkent: Turon Zamin Ziyo Publishing House, 2015. – 256 pages.

“20th Century Uzbek Folklore Studies.” Anthology. Compiled by O. Turaboyev and others. Tashkent: State Scientific Publishing House of the National Encyclopedia of Uzbekistan, 2017. – 592 pages.

Masharipova Z. Uzbek Oral Folk Creativity. – T., 2008, pp. 24–40.

Essays on Uzbek Folklore. Vol. 1. – T.: “Fan,” 1988, pp. 25–35.

Madayev O., Sobitova T. Oral Poetic Creativity of the People.

Jumaboyev M. Children’s Literature and Folklore. Textbook. – Tashkent: Publishing House of the Writers’ Union of Uzbekistan, 2006. – 216 pages.

Shodiyeva G., Sobirova O. “Uzbek National Instruments of the Late XIX and Early XX Centuries.” International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education 14.7 (2022).

Shodiyeva G., Sobirova O. “Uzbek National Instruments of the Late XIX and Early XX Centuries.” International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education 14.7 (2022).

Ahmedovich, Turdiyev Shavkat. “From the History of Preservation and Recording of Samples of National Uzbek Musical Folklore.” Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing & Management Review 11.12 (2022): 59–61.

Sabirovna, Rasulova Saida. “Analysis of the General State of Music Education in a Secondary School.” Eurasian Journal of Learning and Academic Teaching 1.1 (2021): 112–116.

Odiljonova Mohlaroyim Iqboljon qizi was born on September 7, 2007, in Bag’dod district of Fergana region. She is currently a first-year student at Kokand State University, Faculty of Humanities and Languages, majoring in Uzbek Language and Literature. She has been interested in knowledge since childhood and has read many books.

Essay from Zarifaxon Nozimjon qizi Odilova

1st-year student, Faculty of Humanities and Languages, Kokand State University

Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur – The Legacy of a Great Commander and Thinker

Zarifa Odilova Nozimjon qizi

1st-year student, Kokand State University

Scientific Supervisor: D.O. Hasanova, Doctor of Philology (DSc)

Abstract

The article discusses the role of the great poet and statesman Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur in world civilization, his life principles, and his acts of public service. Babur’s humanistic ideas and his contributions to introducing Eastern culture are highlighted.

Keywords: Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, statesman, great historical figure, India, prominent personality, poet, historian, Baburnama.

Introduction

February 14 holds special significance for the Uzbek people and the entire Turkic world. This day is widely celebrated as the birth anniversary of the great commander, eminent statesman, talented poet, and unique historian Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur. Over the centuries, Babur has left an indelible mark on human history through his courage, intellect, and rich spiritual legacy.

Babur was born on February 14, 1483, in the city of Andijan, into a family belonging to the Timurid dynasty. His father, Umarshaykh Mirza, was the ruler of the Fergana region. At the young age of twelve, Babur ascended the throne and faced the complex currents of political life. Battles for Samarkand, internal conflicts, and political instability strengthened his young heart. Despite these hardships, he acted with courage and determination—qualities that later elevated him to the status of a great historical figure.

During a period of political turmoil in Transoxiana, Babur set a new goal for himself. He captured Kabul, established a secure base, and began his campaign toward India. In 1526, he achieved victory at the Battle of Panipat, founding the powerful Mughal Empire in India. This empire later became a center of political stability and cultural advancement in South Asia for several centuries. Under Babur’s reign, science, art, and architecture flourished.

The most remarkable aspect of Babur’s personality was his mastery of both the sword and the pen. While he demonstrated courage on the battlefield as a commander, he also expressed his delicate sensibilities in the creative realm. His famous work, the Baburnama, is one of the rare treasures of world literature and historical scholarship. In this work, the author provides detailed and sincere accounts of his life, the political events of his era, cities, natural landscapes, and the customs of the people. The clarity of language, vivid descriptions, and authenticity make the work uniquely valuable.

The Baburnama is not only a historical document but also a literary masterpiece. It includes valuable observations on the nature, climate, flora, and fauna of Fergana, Samarkand, Kabul, and India, reflecting Babur’s broad worldview and keen powers of observation.

Babur’s poetry also deserves special attention. His divan contains ghazals and rubais celebrating love, loyalty, longing, patriotism, and human virtues. Poems written during his years away from his homeland express deep feelings of nostalgia and yearning. Babur was also a builder; he established gardens in Kabul and India, paying attention to landscaping and beautification. The gardens he created later became famous as “Babur Gardens,” standing as vivid examples of Eastern architecture and landscape art.

Today, Babur’s legacy serves as a model for younger generations. His life demonstrates that hardships and trials should not deter a person. On the contrary, those who face challenges with courage achieve great heights. The name Babur symbolizes glorious history, strong will, and profound intellect. His birth anniversary reminds us to revisit our history and rich cultural heritage. Studying Babur’s legacy, promoting his works, and instilling them in the consciousness of youth is our sacred duty, as a nation aware of its history has a bright future.

References

Baburnama. Tashkent: “Yulduzcha,” 1989.

Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur. Divan. Tashkent: Literature and Art Publishing House named after Gafur Ghulam, 1965.

V. Zohidov. Babur and His Literary Heritage. Tashkent, 1960.

R. Nabiyev. Babur’s State and Diplomacy. Tashkent, 1994.

History of Uzbek Literature. Vol. 5. Tashkent, 1978.

National Encyclopedia of Uzbekistan. Vol. 2. Tashkent, 2002. Article: “Babur.”

“Humanistic Ideas in the Personality of Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur,” 2022.

Essay from Umidjon Hasamov

Artificial Intelligence in Medicine: Transforming Diagnostics and Treatment Planning

The use of intelligence and machine learning in medicine is a big change in the healthcare sector.

Intelligence and machine learning are helping doctors to make diagnoses and plan treatments.

Doctors used to have to do everything by themselves. Now they have machines that can help them.

These machines can look at a lot of information very quickly and accurately.

This is changing the way patients are cared for because intelligence and machine learning are making diagnoses more accurate and treatment more personal.

Intelligence and machine learning are also making things run more smoothly in hospitals and clinics.

The use of intelligence and machine learning is really changing the way medicine is practiced and it is helping patients get better care.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are very important, in medicine now.

The use of Artificial Intelligence in medicine is really interesting especially when it comes to diagnosing illnesses. Doctors use things like X-rays, MRIs and CT scans to look at what’s going on inside the body. These tests give a lot of information. It can take a long time for doctors to look at everything.

Artificial Intelligence is also changing the way doctors plan treatments. Normally doctors use the treatment for everyone but this does not work for each person because we are all different. Our genes, the air we breathe and the way we live are all unique, so we need treatments that’re unique too. Artificial Intelligence is helping doctors make treatment plans that are just right, for each person. Artificial intelligence models can put together information from health records and other tests like genomic sequencing and clinical trials. This helps doctors create treatment plans for each patient. Studies have found that artificial intelligence systems are as good as doctors at finding diseases like cancer, heart problems and brain disorders when they are just starting.

For example, in cancer treatment artificial intelligence systems assist doctors in selecting the medicines by figuring out how a patient’s tumor will respond to those medicines. This way of treating patients is better because it improves the results and reduces side effects. As a result, the patient’s life becomes better overall. Artificial intelligence models are really helpful in this process because they use data, from health records and other sources to make decisions. Artificial intelligence is another thing that comes from using it in healthcare. Healthcare systems over the world are having a tough time because people are getting older there are not enough staff and costs are going up. Artificial intelligence tools do work make sure patients get the right care at the right time and help doctors make good decisions so doctors can spend more time with patients. In emergency rooms artificial intelligence can figure out which patients are in the danger and need help right away which can save lives.

Artificial intelligence, in medicine has some problems that need to be thought about even though it can do a lot of good things. Data bias is a problem. If Artificial Intelligence systems are trained on data that does not have a lot of kinds of people in it, they may not work as well for some groups of people. This can make it even harder for people who already have a time getting good healthcare.

Medical records have personal information, so we need to make sure they are safe and private. We need to have cybersecurity to protect this information, and we need to be open, about how we handle data. This is important because we need people to trust us with their information. Data bias and data security are both issues when it comes to Artificial Intelligence and medical records.

Hasanov Umidjon Ilhomovich was born on May 27, 2010, in Qorako‘l District, Bukhara Region. He began his education at Secondary School No. 9 in Qorako‘l District and has been studying since the 9th grade as a student of the Presidential School for Gifted Children.

Umidjon Hasanov has achieved numerous academic and social accomplishments. He is the holder of more than 50 international certificates and has actively participated in national competitions, earning over 20 certificates, diplomas, and letters of appreciation at the republican level. He is also the founder of several innovative projects.

At the national level, he won 2nd place in the “Youth Innovators” competition. In February 2025, he successfully obtained the CEFR B2 certificate. In 2025, he was recognized as the winner of both “Volunteer of the Year” and “Initiator of the Year” awards.

Additionally, he achieved honorable placements in the Republican Real Hackathon and Ideathon competitions for the EEAO book-related website project. Currently, Umidjon is actively organizing debate tournaments in his district and working on transforming the EEAO website prototype into a fully functional platform, collaborating with PIF members.

Poetry from Soumen Roy

Journey across the sea

Take me to the other side of the sea,  

There where the pain settles along the shore 

And the boat bids a goodbye. 

There the generous winds come,

Gently takes me to the another world 

Of pleasure among plaintives.

There where the exhaustible afternoon fades away

And my weary mind rejuvenates. 

Steadily, the haze passed by with notes of chripping birds.

I wake up from the slumber of my own unconscious

Into the world of glow. 

There falls every shadow

And I dissolve into the hues of oneness,  

Commanding in the glory of God. 

For the light I have been longing for so long 

Sailed deep within my faith. 

There i saw myself lying under her feet, 

And she smiled over the sea. 

I wasn’t so lonely before 

To hold her grace in my empty hands. 

It happened for she wanted me. 

Yes, Radharani truly filled me!