“Yusuf and Zulayho” in Durbek’s Interpretation

KDPI, Faculty of Social Sciences
Uzbek Language and Literature Department
1st-year student: Abduxalilova Sevara
abduxalilovasevara007@gmail.com

Abstract: This article presents an artistic analysis of Durbek’s work „Yusuf and Zulayha“. The work highlights the ideas of the harmony of divine and human love, patience, loyalty, and spiritual purity. Through the image of Yusuf, the author depicts the embodiment of beauty and perfection, and through the image of Zulaykha, the process of spiritual suffering and purification experienced on the path of love. The article analyzes the ideological and artistic characteristics of the work, the system of images, and its place in Eastern literature.

Keywords: Yusuf and Zulaykha, Durbek, love, patience, loyalty, divine love, artistic analysis, image, Eastern literature, spirituality.  

The theme of “Yusuf and Zulayho” is very popular in classical literature and has been written by many poets. Among the most famous Uzbek and Turkic versions, Durbek created his work in the 14th–15th centuries, specifically in 1409. In Eastern classical literature, works that artistically express the ideas of love, patience, and spiritual purity hold a special place, and Yusuf and Zulayho is one of them. This work is significant not only because it is based on religious narratives, but also because it deeply explores human psychology, different aspects of love, and moral values. In particular, Durbek’s interpretation stands out for its artistic maturity, system of characters, and strong national spirit. The widespread popularity of the work is mainly due to its profound interpretation of love.

In Eastern literature, many legends and narratives have developed around this plot. The spread of the story was greatly influenced by the Torah and the Qur’an. These sacred texts contain various stories, chapters, and details related to Yusuf (Joseph). In Balkh, Durbek composed the epic “Yusuf and Zulayho.” However, until the 1920s, the poet’s name was not recognized in academic literature. After the manuscript of his epic was discovered, Durbek’s творчество attracted the attention of literary scholars, and excerpts from the work were published. In later years, debates emerged within the academic community suggesting that the author of “Yusuf and Zulayho” might not be Durbek, but possibly Ulughbek or Hamidiy Balkhiy. In some recently published school textbooks, the author is even listed as unknown. Nevertheless, well-known literary scholars such as Bertels, Hodi Zaripov, F. Shamsiev, Oybek, M. Shayxzoda, O. Sharofiddinov, V. Zohidov, I. Sulton, H. Yoqubov, F. Karimov, A. Qayumov, A. Hayitmetov, N. Mallaev, S. Haydarov and others affirm that Durbek is indeed the author of the epic.

The story of “Yusuf and Zulayho” is one of the most famous love and moral epics in Eastern literature. It is distinguished by its religious, spiritual, and artistic qualities. Yusuf is portrayed as a handsome, sincere, and pure-hearted individual. He is the son of Prophet Yaqub (Jacob) and is described as wise and morally upright. Zulayho, on the other hand, is depicted as a wealthy and beautiful woman who falls in love with Yusuf at first sight. Overwhelmed by his beauty and character, she becomes deeply devoted to him. However, Yusuf preserves his faith and morality, resisting her temptations. Zulayho attempts to deceive him through cunning, but Yusuf escapes and maintains his purity. As the story progresses, Zulayho comes to understand true love, repentance, patience, and moral purity. The narrative teaches lessons of patience, ethical integrity, and genuine love.

The development of Zulayho’s love for Yusuf is interpreted in different ways. For example, in the prose work “Qissasi Rabguzi”, their meeting is described in two different versions. Rabguzi, having studied various narratives, does not strictly determine which version is authentic and therefore presents multiple interpretations. According to one version, Zulayho falls in love with Yusuf after meeting him by chance; in another, she falls in love after seeing him in a dream. Other versions emphasize Zulayho’s cunning as the cause of the conflict, while more dramatic interpretations introduce intermediary characters such as Nodir.

The love between Yusuf and Zulayho symbolizes divine love. Qul Ali, while describing Zulayho’s love for Yusuf, emphasizes that everything she hears or perceives echoes only the name “Yusuf.” He illustrates the ideal form of true love in the following lines:

After falling into hardship,
If she does not see Yusuf even for a moment,
She loses patience and hears no one’s words,
Whatever she says, she says only “Yusuf.”

If blood were taken from her body,
And a vein were cut by the surgeon,
Even if a drop of blood fell to the ground,
The earth itself would write “Yusuf.”

The study of the epic “Yusuf and Zulayho” holds an important place in literary history. The ancient roots of its plot, its connection to sacred texts, and its various interpretations in Eastern literature make it valuable not only as a literary work but also as a spiritual heritage. Writers from different periods—such as Rabguzi, Durbek, Jami, and others—have interpreted the story in their own ways, enriching its characters and details, and making it relevant and understandable for future generations. The main idea of the plot—patience, moral purity, and true love—continues to inspire readers even today. Therefore, “Yusuf and Zulayho” is not only a historical source but also a unique work that should be studied for understanding human values and literary thought.

References

1. Rahmonov, N. (2005). History of Uzbek Literature (from ancient times to the first half of the 15th century). Tashkent. 
2. Durbek. (1409). Yusuf and Zulayho (manuscript). Balkh. 
3. Rabguzi, N. Qissasi Rabguzi, Book 2. 
4. Bobojon, R. (2000). Yusuf and Zulayho. Tashkent: Gafur Ghulam Publishing House. 
5. Jami, A. (1997). Yusuf and Zulayho. Tashkent: Gafur Ghulam Publishing House.

Sunrise

Tell me sun, did you see the night? 

Tell me sun, did you see the dark? 

Every day you rise, giving us light. 

Your warmth makes us bright. 

Your light blinds us, 

Yet we can’t live without you. 

Your light keeps us alive, 

Yet we never truly appreciate you. 

Oh, dear sun, forgive us one more- 

We blind people forget you some time. 

Oh, dear sun, forgive us once more- 

We deaf people can’t hear your love.

-Charos Ismoilova

I am Charos Ismoilova daughter of Ruslan, and was born on January 1st, 2013, in Shafirkan district, Bukhara region. Currently, I am studying at Bukhara Presidential School, 7th grade.

Youth of Uzbekistan

With our flag in hand,
They stand on platforms.
Always being the first,
They stand at the front.

Leaders in every field,
The youth of Uzbekistan.
Among them there are even
Excellent young readers.

Whatever profession they have,
It does not matter at all.
If our goal is one,
There is no obstacle on our path.

Across Central Asia,
Their fame will spread.
The youth of Uzbekistan —

The great power of the nation.

I, Khamidova Shahzoda Kholbozor qizi, was born on December 8, 2004, in Yakkabog‘ district of Qashqadaryo region.

From 2012 to 2023, I studied at School No. 58 in Yakkabog‘ district. During my school years, due to my interest in my native language and literature, I began writing poems on various topics. In 2023, I graduated from school with a certificate of distinction, and since 2025, I have been studying as a first-year student at the Faculty of Philology and Foreign Languages of Turon University in Qarshi city. Currently, my first articles and poems have started to be published in the district newspaper. In particular, I became a winner in the “Poetry” category at the “Ijod yulduzi” competition organized for “Oltin qanot” volunteers. I also participated live as one of the educated and talented girls of Qashqadaryo in the “Fayzli kun” morning program on Qashqadaryo television and on “Oltin voha” TV and radio. My story titled “Saroblarga aldangan ko‘zlar” was published in the newspaper “Xalq manfaati” of Qashqadaryo.

Education 

Education means 

Learning about history and geography and culture 

School is a place where you can meet your friends and discover so many things about life 

One day fire fall down 

Crushed to the class

Killing so many children 

Innocence met death

So many souls go to heaven 

We pray everyday 

Children who will never see the colour of the rainbow 

…..

Contact

 I forgot what a kiss is The taste of an afternoon coffee.

So as the waves pulled from the land, I feel like a desert ship.

Contact I forgot what that word means, Shipwreck for months In books I look for a meaning to embrace me, to tell me everything will be fine ..

 To go and leave those roses in my father’s memory, To light a candle to the Virgin Mary.

Contact, To be in your dream hug Let me see your eyes To smell your perfume I’m looking for that word in that old dictionary

BEHIND THE VEIL

I want to tell you

that even your magic veil

cannot hide your secret smile.

And despite its red color,

it cannot hide the radiance

of your glowing cheeks.

I feel your racing heartbeat

and sense your burning longing

behind the veil.

On the shores of your wishes,

I see the smile on my face

that joy left years ago.

Anwer Ghani 

A poet and physician

Iraq

LINKTREE

Ana May 

The real name of the author is Makhmutova Alina Railevna. Russia , the Republic of Tatarstan, Kazan. Writer, Poet, Photographer.

Catch a Cold Souls

Souls are chilled,
in them — the pain of the age:
viruses and wars.

We must know: a cold can be cured —
the prescription is written by writers and poets,
turning the pages
of tender silence,
romantic melancholy,
languid loneliness.
A text is a second pseudonym,
the equivalent of breathing.

Even though pain leaves its traces in the heart:
Don’t run from pain,
live through it.
You are not unbearably stuffy. Breathe.

Admit that today
the pain in your chest,
the one that clenches your heart —
is an important step.
The first medicine —
acceptance,
and then,
breathing again,
though with an amber aftertaste of fear.

The second — living through it,
not silencing it,
but embracing it.
Every wound
will surely heal.
Yes, it will leave scars on the heart, but it will heal.

A writing person is the link
between truth and freedom of speech.
A writer or poet is a bridge
between time and the people.
In the architecture of words lie not only truth and power,
but also healing.
The writer helps not only others,
but also themselves:
You are you,
and this is the beginning
of your healing.

going to the church of the wind
in the tops of the trees


        *


she comes to the window for the red fox at dusk


        *


he told himself not to stare at the newborn violets


        *


in the same photo,
the pacing cheetah and her grandfather's cane 


        *


he gave no reason for wanting to soak his feet in the Lower Vistula


        *


when they tell you to dye your hair
and change the locks


        *


Elvis never borrowed my brother's comb,
but everybody loved the lie


        *


it was Frankie's job to doctor up the coffee
for the grumpy saints


        *


the world going back to ignoring the green forsythia


        *


my destiny is already on its third cup of coffee


        *


"the objective correlative"
must include the worn gray socks of Pete Maravich


        *


throwing a chunk of coal for a touchdown in Jim Thorpe, PA


        *


though he makes room,
the regulars on the city bus would rather stand


        *



Patrick Sweeney is a short form poet and devotee of the public library.