Poetry from Avazova Diyora Alisher qizi

Young Central Asian woman in a long black and white coat, outside near some green bushes. She's wearing an embroidered Uzbek headdress.

Be healthy for our happiness, dear teacher

May your precious head be safe and sound,

May every morsel you eat be pure and blessed.

May the tears in your eyes stay hidden,

We always bow to you with respect —

Be healthy for our happiness, dear teacher.

You truly deserve honor and esteem,

We humbly bow our heads before you.

You have done so much good for us,

We are always grateful to you —

Be healthy for our happiness, dear teacher.

May you guide us at every moment,

May our path stay bright and clear.

Sincere wishes and heartfelt prayers —

We always acknowledge your kindness,

Be healthy for our happiness, dear teacher.

Avazova Diyora Alisher girl was born on July 17, 2007, in Kitob district, Kashkadarya region. She graduated from School No. 91 with a Gold Medal for her excellent academic performance, diligence, exemplary behavior, and initiative.

She is currently a member of the Kashkadarya Regional Youth Parliament’s Active Members team and a volunteer of the “Golden Wing” movement. She holds numerous international certificates and is a member of “JUNTOS POR LAS LETRAS” and the Global Friends Club. She has been awarded the “Best Promoter” certificate twice.

Her poems and articles have been published in Kenya, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Turkey, and several other international and local publishing houses. She is a graduate of the “Diamond Girls” project and won 2nd place in the “Initiator of the Year — 2024” competition. She is also a participant in the G4G program designed for girls.

She was a delegate of the “2024 Asia–Pacific Young Leaders Summit” and an official delegate of the Istanbul International Model United Nations. She serves as the Azerbaijan coordinator of the Shishu Ullash organization and is an official delegate of the “Future Office” Season 2.

She holds more than 50 international certificates. She is an official member of the “Towards Leadership” project and actively participates in various projects and competitions. She is a delegate of “ELEVATE MUN,” Deputy Head of Media Literacy at the “Yuksak Parvozim” Young Creators Movement, and coordinator of “Umid Yo‘gdusi.” She is also featured in the “Young Leaders” Encyclopedia.

Essay from Abdujabborova Rayhona

PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF COPING WITH STRESS IN PREGNANT WOMEN

Annotation:

This article highlights the causes of stress in pregnant women, their psychological characteristics, and the emotional and physiological changes occurring during this period. It also analyzes the importance of psychoprophylaxis and psychocorrection methods in coping with stress. The article emphasizes ways to reduce stress through psychological support, creating a positive environment, and strengthening family relationships.

Keywords: Pregnancy, stress, psychology, emotion, anxiety, psychocorrection, social support, psychoprophylaxis, maternal instinct, psycho-emotional state.

Introduction

Pregnancy is one of the most natural, and at the same time, emotionally delicate periods in a woman’s life. During this time, profound physiological, hormonal, and psychological changes occur in a woman’s body. Therefore, pregnancy requires special attention not only from a medical perspective but also from a psychological one. The pregnant woman’s psychological stability, emotional state, and the level of social support she receives directly affect her health, the mental development of the unborn child, and the well-being of the family environment.

Modern scientific research shows that stress, anxiety, depressive mood, and emotional instability are increasingly common among pregnant women. This is primarily influenced by the fast pace of modern life, economic and social pressures, family conflicts, lack of support, low self-esteem, and natural physiological changes experienced during pregnancy. Sometimes a woman may not experience pregnancy positively, may struggle to accept her condition, or may not feel prepared for motherhood, which intensifies internal psychological tension.

Stress is the body’s response to internal or external stimuli. While short-term stress can enhance adaptability, prolonged stress can seriously harm health. During pregnancy, the effects of stress become even stronger due to hormonal imbalance and increased sensitivity of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. As a result, high anxiety, fear, insomnia, and depressive symptoms may appear. These conditions negatively impact not only the mother’s health but also the psychological and physiological development of the fetus.

Providing psychological assistance, family support, a positive environment, and cooperation between medical and psychological specialists play a crucial role in stabilizing the emotional well-being of pregnant women. The application of psychoprophylaxis and psychocorrection methods, teaching women positive thinking, and preparing them to manage their emotions are effective in preventing stress.

The relevance of this topic lies in the fact that the psychological state of pregnant women affects not only their personal lives but also society’s responsibility to nurture a healthy generation. Therefore, studying the psychological characteristics of stress in pregnant women, analyzing its causes and consequences, and developing effective coping mechanisms is one of the important directions in contemporary psychological research.

Methodology

This research employed theoretical and practical methods of psychology.

Methods included:

  • Direct interviews and questionnaires
  • Observation
  • Psychodiagnostic tests
    • Spielberger–Hanin Anxiety Scale
    • Beck Depression Inventory
  • Psychological interviews

Research tasks:

  • Identifying the main causes of stress in pregnant women
  • Assessing the psycho-emotional state and studying its dynamics
  • Developing and implementing stress management techniques

Applied Methods and Procedures

The study involved 40 pregnant women aged 25–35 from the gynecology department of Andijan City Family Polyclinic No. 1. Psychodiagnostic tests and interviews were conducted. The results were processed using standard statistical analysis methods in psychology.

Research Results and Analysis

The findings revealed that 68% of pregnant women experienced moderate stress levels, 20% had high anxiety levels, and 12% showed mild emotional instability.

Main stress factors identified:

  1. Concerns about the fetus’s health
  2. Conflicts in family relationships
  3. Financial difficulties
  4. Hormonal changes and dissatisfaction with physical appearance

Analysis

The results show that women who receive strong social and family support experience significantly lower stress levels. Those who receive psychological counseling and emotional support cope with their condition more easily and maintain psychological stability even after childbirth.

Discussion and Recommendations

The following recommendations are essential when working with pregnant women:

  • Conduct psychological training sessions and counseling
  • Introduce family psychocorrection programs to strengthen marital relations
  • Recommend emotional relaxation techniques, music therapy, and breathing exercises
  • Enhance cooperation between medical and psychological services

Important Factors

  • Hormonal changes influence emotional stability
  • Social environment and family relationships determine stress levels
  • Psychological support is crucial for the health of both mother and baby

Conclusion

The analyses show that the physiological, hormonal, and psychological changes occurring during pregnancy significantly influence a woman’s overall mental state. Although stress is a natural protective response, its intensification can lead to psychological instability, anxiety, depression, and emotional tension. Therefore, studying the psychological aspects of stress management during pregnancy is important not only scientifically but also practically.

The research results confirm that the psychological stability of pregnant women is closely linked to their social environment, the level of family support, the quality of marital relationships, and the availability of medical and psychological assistance. A positive psychological atmosphere, affection, and a sense of being valued reduce stress levels, restore emotional balance, and ensure healthy motherhood.

Implementing psychoprophylaxis and psychocorrection programs during pregnancy, teaching stress management techniques, and using psychological methods such as breathing exercises, relaxation, and music therapy produce positive outcomes. These methods not only stabilize the woman’s emotional state but also positively influence the healthy psychological development of the baby.

A mother’s emotional well-being during pregnancy is not only a personal matter but also a social priority, as a psychologically healthy mother gives birth to a healthy child – shaping the physical and moral well-being of future generations.

References

  1. Abdurakhmonova, G. Psychological Characteristics of Pregnant Women. Tashkent, 2020.
  2. Beck, A. Foundations of Cognitive Therapy. Moscow, 2019.
  3. Spielberger, Ch. The Psychology of Measuring Anxiety and Stress. Saint Petersburg, 2018.
  4. Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Reference Materials, 2023.
  5. Yusupova, D. Perinatal Psychology. TDPU Publishing, 2022.
  6. Lazarus, R. Stress and Emotion: A New Synthesis. Springer, 2006.
  7. APA Psychological Bulletin. Pregnancy and Stress Management, 2021.
  8. World Health Organization (WHO). Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy. Geneva, 2022. 

Poetry from Mohan Maharana

Middle aged South Asian man with dark hair and a yellow and blue top.

The Blood of Hope

A single drop, yet it sustains

A river flowing through our veins,

It whispers life in every beat,

Where strangers’ hearts and fates may meet.

No crown I seek, no gold I wear,

But life itself, the gift I share.

For every life that breathes anew,

A silent prayer comes shining through.

Let nations rise, let colors fade,

When one hand gives, all fear decays.

For in that act, both strong and small,

Lies the purest bond that unites us all.

Mohan Maharana is a renowned social worker dedicated to humanitarian service and community upliftment. Over the years, he has personally helped more than 2,000 mentally ill individuals find treatment, dignity, and hope. His current focus lies in promoting voluntary blood donation and raising awareness about its life-saving importance. Beyond his social work, he also serves as the Global Director of the World Union of Poets, contributing to the union’s mission of uniting voices across cultures through poetry and compassion.

Poetry from Samar Aldeek

Middle aged light skinned woman with blonde hair, brown eyes, and a floral top and dangly earrings.

Peace Is a Quiet Flame
*******************

Peace is not the silence of empty streets,
nor the pause between two wars.

It is the breath of a child
who dreams without fear,
the hand of a mother
that opens the door without trembling.

Peace is the river
that carries no blood,
only reflections of sky
and the laughter of trees.

It is the courage of voices
that rise against injustice,
not with weapons,
but with the steady rhythm of truth.

Peace is fragile,
like glass held in the sun,
yet it is stronger
than the walls we build
and the borders we draw.

It begins in the smallest gesture—
a smile offered to a stranger,
a word of kindness
that travels farther than bullets.

Peace is not a destination,
but a way of walking,
a way of remembering
that every soul
is a mirror of our own.
********************************Samar Aldeek – France /Syrie

Peace Is a Quiet Flame

السلام شعلة هادئة

Peace is not the silence of empty streets,
nor the pause between two wars.

السلام ليس صمتَ الشوارع الخالية،

ولا الفراغَ بين حربين.

It is the breath of a child
who dreams without fear,
the hand of a mother
that opens the door without trembling.

إنه أنفاسُ طفلٍ

يحلم بلا خوف،

ويدُ أمٍّ

تفتحُ البابَ بلا ارتجاف.

Peace is the river
that carries no blood,
only reflections of sky
and the laughter of trees.

السلام هو النهرُ

الذي لا يحملُ دمًا،

بل انعكاسَ السماء

وضحكاتِ الأشجار.

It is the courage of voices
that rise against injustice,
not with weapons,
but with the steady rhythm of truth.

هو شجاعةُ الأصوات

حين تنهضُ ضدَّ الظلم،

لا بالسلاح،

بل بإيقاعِ الحقِّ الثابت.

Peace is fragile,
like glass held in the sun,
yet it is stronger
than the walls we build
and the borders we draw.

السلام هشٌّ

كزجاجٍ في قبضةِ الشمس،

ومع ذلك أقوى

من الجدرانِ التي نبنيها

والحدودِ التي نرسمها.

It begins in the smallest gesture—
a smile offered to a stranger,
a word of kindness
that travels farther than bullets.

يبدأ في أبسطِ إيماءة—

ابتسامةٍ تُهدى لغريب،

وكلمةِ لطفٍ

تسافرُ أبعدَ من الرصاص.

Peace is not a destination,
but a way of walking,
a way of remembering
that every soul
is a mirror of our own.

السلام ليسَ غايةً،

بل طريقةَ سيرٍ،

وطريقةَ تذكّرٍ

أن كلَّ روحٍ

مرآةٌ لذاتِنا.

Essay from Xudoyberdiyeva Mohiniso

Young Central Asian woman with dark hair and eyes and a pink collared shirt and earrings.

The Mud Battle and Its Consequences

Student of Denov Institute of Entrepreneurship and Pedagogy

Xudoyberdiyeva Mohiniso

Abstract

This article provides information about the Mud Battle (Loy Jangi). It primarily discusses the sides involved in the battle, the sequence of events, and the circumstances that led to the defeat of Amir Temur and Amir Husayn. According to historical sources, Ilyos Khoja, realizing that he could not win in a fair fight, used a yada stone with the assistance of shamans to summon a powerful rainstorm that transformed the battlefield into a swamp.

As a result, the forces of Temur and Husayn became trapped in deep mud; their weapons, clothing, and horses grew heavy with moisture, greatly limiting mobility. Although the Mongol victory resulted from this stratagem, Temur’s strategic miscalculations—particularly his inability to coordinate with Husayn—also contributed to the defeat. Historically, this battle is regarded as the only defeat of Amir Temur, occurring during the early stage of his military career. He later overcame this setback by defeating Ilyos Khoja and strengthening his power. The Mud Battle serves as an important example demonstrating the influence of natural conditions and military tactics in the warfare of Central Asia.

Keywords: Movarounnahr, Jete, Amir Husayn, Chinoz, Ilyos Khoja, Tashkent, right wing

Introduction

In the mid-14th century, Movarounnahr lacked a unified central authority and the region had fragmented into small feudal domains. The renowned historian of the Timurid era, Khofizi Abru, vividly describes this situation in his Zubdat at-Tavorikh: various amirs controlled different territories, and constant internal conflicts created instability across the region.

Taking advantage of this turmoil, the Khan of Moghulistan, Tug‘luq Temur, invaded Movarounnahr in 1360 and swiftly conquered it. The governor of Kesh fled to Khorasan, while Amir Temur, seeking to protect his homeland from plunder, pledged allegiance to Tug‘luq Temur. The khan accepted him favorably and appointed him governor of Kesh and its neighboring territories.

Over the following decade, Amir Temur gradually strengthened his political influence through personal bravery and diplomatic skill. He maintained peaceful relations with influential leaders such as Amir Husayn, the rulers of Moghulistan, and even the governor of Herat.

Main Part

The Mud Battle (Loy Jangi)

According to Nizamiddin Shami’s Zafarnama, the battle took place on 16 June 1365 (Sharafiddin Ali Yazdi dates it to 22 May 1365). The united armies of Amir Temur and Amir Husayn marched against Ilyos Khoja, the Khan of Jete. Although Temur and Husayn had numerical superiority, Ilyos Khoja resorted to an extraordinary stratagem.

Beginning of the Battle

Temur and Husayn deployed their forces along the Chirchiq River between Tashkent and Chinoz. Their army was arranged with strong commanders leading each flank and center. Ilyos Khoja approached from the direction of Konibodom with a large force.

Realizing he would not prevail in open combat, Ilyos Khoja turned to the yadachi—shamans skilled in weather manipulation. With the yada stone, believed in ancient Mongol and Turkic tradition to summon rain or storms, they called forth a torrential downpour. This caused the battlefield to turn rapidly into deep mud.

Shami writes:

“The field became so muddy that neither horsemen nor infantry could move. Their clothes and weapons became soaked and unbearably heavy.”

Outcome of the Battle

The unified army of Temur and Husayn became separated due to the mud. Confusion spread; many soldiers lost mobility, and horses sank into the mire. Ilyos Khoja’s troops, protected from the rain with felt coverings, reorganized themselves and launched a powerful counterattack.

More than 10,000 soldiers were lost, forcing Temur and Husayn to retreat toward Kesh (Shahrisabz). Although Temur displayed great bravery and even managed to break several enemy lines, the conditions of nature and the lack of coordination with Husayn resulted in defeat.

Historical Significance

Shami characterizes the battle as a “difficult trial” for Temur. Yazdi similarly emphasizes that the event served as an early lesson that shaped Temur’s later military brilliance. The battle also marked one of the first serious rifts between Temur and Husayn, contributing to their eventual political separation.

After this victory, Ilyos Khoja captured Khujand and Jizzakh and advanced toward Samarkand. Although there was no large army in the city, the people defended Samarkand fiercely. This uprising later became known as the Sarbador Movement, a prominent event in Central Asian resistance history.

Conclusion

The Mud Battle highlights both the influence of natural forces (rain and mud) and strategic decisions (Temur’s conflict with his ally Husayn) on the outcome of medieval wars. Despite this defeat, Temur learned from the experience, eventually overcoming Ilyos Khoja and establishing a strong empire. Historical sources such as Nizamiddin Shami’s and Sharafiddin Ali Yazdi’s Zafarnama provide important insights into this event. The battle of 1365, fought near Tashkent, remains significant not only for its military aspects but also for its political and social implications, influencing regional power dynamics and governance.

References

Omonullo Bo‘riev. Temuriylar davri yozma manbalarida Markaziy Osiyo. Tashkent, 1997.

Sharafiddin Ali Yazdi. Zafarnama. Tashkent, 1994.

Nizamiddin Shami. Zafarnama. Tashkent, 1996.

Dadaboyev H. Amir Temurning harbiy mahorati. Tashkent, 1996.

History of Moghulistan — Academic publications of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

“Jangi Loy” — Encyclopedic sources and historical accounts.

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 Ruzimbayeva Quvonchoy

Young Central Asian woman with long straight dark hair, a white top, and pink and purple pastel vest.

National Values — The Heart of the Nation

Every nation has a heart. As long as that heart beats, the nation lives, awakens, and endures.

For the people of Uzbekistan, that heart is our national values.

Values unite the people, bring them back to their roots, and awaken pride and love in their hearts.

In today’s rapidly changing world, preserving and remaining faithful to national values means safeguarding spiritual independence.

National values embody a people’s history, language, religion, customs, beliefs, and way of life.

Main Part

National values are the spiritual roots of a nation.

Just as a tree cannot survive without roots, a person cannot live without values.

The values of the Uzbek people have endured through centuries and never disappeared.

In every era and generation, they have acquired new meanings and served as a mirror of our nation’s spirit.

From ancient times, our people have lived by the belief:

“The homeland is sacred, parents are dear, and the guest is a blessing.”

Traditions such as weddings, holidays, hashar (community work), Navruz, and Ramadan all teach kindness, compassion, and respect for one another.

These customs reflect our people’s moral world, dignity, and love.

National values are not just historical heritage — they are a living part of our everyday lives.

For example, greeting our parents every morning, beginning a meal with bismillah, and treating guests with honor — these simple acts represent the living expression of our culture, formed over centuries.

In the era of globalization, some young people are influenced by foreign cultures and tend to forget their own values.

However, modernity must never contradict national identity.

True progress is achieved by relying on one’s national values while striving for innovation.

As President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated:

“National values are the soul of the people, and preserving them is our sacred duty.”

Indeed, our people’s hospitality, patience, tolerance, respect for women, and trust in youth all express our national pride.

National values are also vividly reflected in folk art:

love in our fairy tales, bravery in our epics, and life lessons in our proverbs.

Sayings such as “He who is one with his people will be honored by them” and “Serve your people as you would honor your father” have long called our nation to unity.

Today, national values play a vital role in the education of youth.

Because today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders, scholars, teachers, and farmers — the future of the country.

If they know and cherish their national values, they will never fall under alien influences.

They will be proud of their land, language, and flag, and see service to their motherland as their sacred duty.

Therefore, every educational institution and family should plant the seeds of values in young hearts.

National values unite and strengthen a nation — they are the spiritual chain that binds generations together.

By preserving and harmonizing our values with modern life, we can elevate our nation to new heights.

Each value carries within it our people’s historical memory, dreams, and honor.

The heart of a nation beats within its values.

If that heart stops, the nation loses its identity.

Therefore, we — the youth — must love, protect, and pass down our national values in their purest form to future generations.

National values are not only the memory of the past — they are the pride of today and the foundation of tomorrow.

As long as they live, our nation’s heart will continue to beat — strong, proud, and eternal.

Ruzimbayeva Quvonchoy Jamoladdin qizi was born February 8, 2007, in Urgench District, Khorezm Region, Respublic of Uzbekistan. The participant of the regional subject Olympiad in the 2023-2024 academic year.Currently, a student of Urgench State University.

Cristina Deptula reviews Rus Khomutoff’s new collection Kaos Karma

Dark red hand with a hole in the middle forming an eye with a white sun for an iris and pupil. Dark black background.

In Rus Khomutoff’s Kaos Karma, meaning shimmers just out of sight, on the edge of a colorful, nebulous atmosphere. 

The book contains a collection of under 20 poems, each presented entirely in bold capital letters. Each word thus carries equal weight and all come together to create a sonic and imagistic impression. 

Certain themes and phrases recur throughout the book. We see words like “chaos” (or “kaos”), “ghostflesh,” “technoromance,” “love,” and “sacrifice” in multiple poems. This pulls out motifs of the collection: spirituality and the odd/paranormal, imagination and dreaming, emotions and the quest for human connection. 

The title, Kaos Karma subverts the concept of logical cause and effect and consequences of one’s actions. Instead of tracing one’s present circumstances or future destiny to one’s own choices, human experience seems much less linear.

Yet, chaos does not imply a nihilistic void, empty of all reason or meaning. The mathematical concept of chaos theory involves self-organizing natural systems whose development seems random but which may well be tied to initial conditions we do not fully understand. 

In a similar vein, Rus Khomutoff’s Kaos Karma is built around motifs that permeate its atmosphere. These suggest layers of feelings and impressions that approach meanings while intriguing and tantalizing the senses. 

Worth a read. 

Rus Khomutoff’s Kaos Karma will be published soon from C22 Press. https://c22press.wordpress.com/open-editions/

Book may be ordered here.