We successfully participated in the “Uzbekistan FIRST Championship 2026” international engineering and robotics festival and achieved outstanding results in the “FIRST Tech Challenge” category, earning a qualification ticket to the “FIRST China Championship” in China!
This prestigious competition brought together more than 90 teams and thousands of young engineers, programmers, and innovators from 7 different countries. During the intense two-day competition, our team demonstrated strong technical skills, creativity, innovation, and teamwork. This achievement is the result of continuous hard work, dedication, and determination toward our big goals. Now, we are proud to represent Uzbekistan on the international stage at the championship in China!
Future engineers never stop! We will continue turning dreams into reality through technology and innovation!
Uzbekistan is creating broad opportunities for young people. In particular, Uzbek girls are showing an increasing desire to gain knowledge and a strong sense of responsibility for self-development. They are not only mastering modern sciences but are also preserving national values while earning a достойный place in society.
Knowledge and education have always held an important position in the national values of the Uzbek people. Since ancient times, special attention has been given to ensuring that girls are not only well-mannered but also well-educated. This tradition continues to maintain its significance today.
Nowadays, educational opportunities are expanding even further. Girls actively participate in schools and higher educational institutions, achieving remarkable success in various fields. Many girls are learning foreign languages and obtaining international certificates. In addition, they take part in international competitions and become recipients of prestigious scholarships and grants.
As evidence of this progress, one can mention Mushtariy Sharifova, the first Uzbek woman reportedly hired by Tesla. Through continuous learning, dedication, and self-confidence, she achieved significant success on the international stage. Her accomplishments clearly demonstrate the potential and determination of Uzbek girls. Mushtariy Sharifova advises young people: “Never give up on your dreams and always continue working on yourself.”
Despite their young age, today’s Uzbek girls stand out because of their active participation, thirst for knowledge, and ambitious goals. They achieve success in various fields and serve as sources of inspiration and motivation for other young people. At the same time, a unique harmony between tradition and modernity can be observed. While acquiring modern knowledge and skills, girls remain loyal to their cultural values and heritage. In conclusion, today’s Uzbek girls are developing comprehensively by combining education with national values. They are becoming knowledgeable, determined, culturally aware, and spiritually mature individuals. By making effective use of modern opportunities, they contribute significantly to the progress of society. Without a doubt, such active and educated young women are an important force in ensuring the bright future of Uzbekistan.
Eshmurzayeva Jasmina Shodiyor qizi was born on November 4, 2009, in the Kashkadarya region of Uzbekistan. She is currently a 10th-grade student at School No. 185 Tashkent. She also holds a CEFR English language certificate.
A baby girl was born into a family. They named her Sabriya because her parents had waited many years for her birth. Eight years before Sabriya was born, her elder sister named Maftuna had passed away when she was only three months old. She had been born prematurely and could not survive.
Two years later, Sabriya’s brother Umarbek was born, but he lived only for two days. Unable to bear the pain of losing her children, their mother became seriously ill. Years passed, and finally Sabriya was born. Her parents were overjoyed at her arrival. They organized a feast for relatives and neighbors and cared for Sabriya with great love.
When Sabriya turned two years old, her younger brother Hayotbek was born. They cherished him dearly as well. Three years later, Sabriya’s little sister Barchinoy was born. By then, Sabriya was already five years old. Their family was very close and loving. The three children always cared for and helped one another.
One day, when Sabriya was in the 7th grade and Barchinoy was in the 2nd grade, Sabriya was cooking. Barchinoy said:
— “Sister, let me help too.”
Sabriya agreed and explained what needed to be done, while she went to clean the hallway. There was boiling water on the stove. Barchinoy tried to lift the kettle, but it slipped from her hands and spilled onto her foot.
“Si-i-ster!” Barchinoy screamed loudly.
Sabriya ran over and saw that her sister’s foot had been badly burned. She quickly cut a potato in half and placed it on the burn. In those days, people often used potatoes instead of medicine for burns. Their mother saw what had happened and became frightened. Barchinoy’s foot was badly injured, and her mother scolded her. After that incident, Barchinoy stayed away from the kitchen for years.
Days passed. One day, their mother gave Barchinoy and Hayotbek a plate of samsa and asked them to take it to their grandmother’s house. Barchinoy carried the plate in her hands. While walking, she tripped over a stone, and both the plate and the samsas fell to the ground.
Hayotbek quickly helped his sister stand up. Barchinoy cried because she had hurt her foot and the plate had shattered into pieces. Fortunately, the samsas had been wrapped in a bag. Hayotbek gathered them and placed them back into the bag.
As they continued walking, the siblings talked:
— “Brother, what will we do now?” — “We’ll still give them to Grandma. What else can we do?” — “What will we tell Mom?” — “We’ll tell her the truth.”
After delivering the samsas to their grandmother, they returned home. Their mother asked:
— “Did you take the samsas to Grandma?” — “Yes, we did,” Hayotbek replied.
Their mother noticed Barchinoy’s bandaged hand and became worried. Barchinoy explained everything, and both siblings lowered their heads and apologized. Their mother smiled and said:
— “It’s alright, my children. The most important thing is that you are safe.”
That evening, their mother Maryam cooked pilaf, and the whole family happily ate together around one table.
Years passed, and Sabriya grew into a beautiful young woman. Suitors frequently came to ask for her hand in marriage. One day, the son of Samad aka’s close friend came as a suitor. Samad aka spoke with Sabriya:
— “My daughter, you’ve grown up. As you can see, many suitors are coming to our home. My friend’s son has asked for you. What do you think?”
Sabriya blushed shyly and replied:
— “Whatever you decide, father.”
— “Then meet Jamshid tomorrow at the park.”
— “Alright, father,” she said and went to her room.
The next morning, Maryam aya was baking bread in the tandir oven, while Sabriya prepared for the meeting. She looked more beautiful than a princess from a fairy tale. Before leaving, she said:
— “Mother, I’m going now.”
— “Go safely, my daughter,” Maryam aya replied.
Sabriya and Jamshid talked for a long time and realized they were perfect for each other. Both families approved of the marriage. The wedding was planned for two months later, and both families began their joyful preparations.
Soon, the wedding day arrived. Everyone was happy. Accompanied by the sounds of traditional trumpets and drums, Sabriya left her parents’ home and entered Jamshid’s household as a bride.
Sabriya and Jamshid lived a very happy life together. A year later, Maryam aya and Samad aka became grandparents. Sabriya and Jamshid became parents—not to one child, but to twin boys. They named them Hasanjon and Husanjon. The family was extremely happy.
But sadly, their happiness did not last forever.
Years passed, and Hasanjon and Husanjon turned four years old. Relatives gathered to celebrate their birthday. Hayotbek gave each twin a bicycle as a present. Since the twins were born in spring, a gentle breeze was blowing outside. They took their bicycles and went out with Hayotbek.
Hayotbek met a friend and became distracted while talking. Meanwhile, the twins rode their bicycles toward the main road. A large truck was speeding down the road. Hayotbek turned around and saw the horrifying scene—the twins were on the road, and the truck was rushing toward them at great speed.
There was almost no distance left between the truck and the twins. Hayotbek screamed with all his strength:
— “No-o-o!”
The next morning, after the dawn prayer, four deceased family members were buried. After the tragedy, Sabriya often fainted from grief. The women around her would splash water on her face to bring her back to consciousness. Barchinoy cried endlessly. Samad aka became seriously ill and was hospitalized for a month.
Whenever Jamshid and Sabriya saw children playing in the street, they remembered their sons and sighed deeply in sorrow.
Two years later, suitors began visiting Barchinoy as well. She married a young man named Rustam. That same year, Jamshid and Sabriya had another child. They raised the child with endless love and care.
A year later, Barchinoy and Rustam also had a daughter and named her Sevinch. However, two years after Sevinch was born, Samad aka passed away. By the will of Allah, he too left this world during the spring season.
That is why, whenever spring arrives, Sabriya and Barchinoy feel a deep sadness, remembering all the memories and sorrows they experienced in the past.
Madina Asliddinovna is an 8th-grade student at School No. 16 “Jasorat” in the Qashqadaryo region. From an early age, she has shown great interest in creativity, reading books, and journalism, and is recognized as one of the active and inquisitive students.
She began her creative journey at a young age by launching her personal blog on Telegram, where she shared her thoughts and opinions on various topics.
Madina successfully completed the “Efirdamiz” course, further improving her knowledge and skills. She was invited several times to the “Fayzli Kun” program of Qashqadaryo Television Channel, where her creative works were presented on television. Her performances were also broadcast on Madaniyat va Ma’rifat TV Channel.
Her creative works have been published in local and international websites and magazines. In particular, her works were featured on the international literary platform ATUNIS Poetry. Additionally, her writings appeared in international anthologies published in the United States, including Voices Without Borders and Ziyo Izidan.
Madina is the holder of several international certificates and has actively participated in various competitions, where she received cash prizes, books, and commemorative gifts.
She has been recognized as a favorite student by journalist Nigora Tog‘ayeva and continues her creative activities in collaboration with international organizations.Despite her young age, Madina Asliddinovna is a promising and talented young creator who is striving to establish her place in the fields of creativity, journalism, and media.
The mill of fate keeps crushing life away, Years fell like snow upon my darkened hair. Unable to find a fragment of true peace, Lonely hearts weep, longing for you everywhere.
Where are those innocent dreams of the sky? Those paper boats in muddy streams we sailed? Today my eyes are filled with bleeding feelings, Falsehoods consume me, tearing me apart without fail.
Though I lament like Erkin Vohidov, My soul still lacks the spirit of “O‘zbegim.” Tulips have withered in old memories, In this vast world, my strength grows dim.
Abdulla Oripov’s sorrow flows like my river, The whirlpool of thought devours my soul. When my forehead bows down in prayer, To whom can I confess this heavy silence untold?
Like Muhammad Yusuf, my heart cries aloud, Mother, I miss the scent of wild mint again. Have I become lost in the city streets, These deceitful worlds feel foreign and strange.
There were days I built cities from mud, A king in innocence, free from greed and pride. Those green gardens stayed far behind, Now I am imprisoned within myself inside.
Where is my father’s dignified presence now? The smell of my mother’s warm bread is gone. The marketplace of life has burned me deeply, There is no heart left in me — only coldness lives on.
So growing up itself is truly a burden, Worries bend my once-proud head low. Unanswered questions, one painful mystery: To whom am I leaving these flowing tears to show?
Today I am tired of these deceitful worlds, Fake smiles have wounded my chest inside. Old memories are tangled knots within my heart, My soul still feels the days of childish joy and pride.
Farewell, my innocence, farewell, my paradise, I shall forever wash you with tears from my eyes. I do not need this false glory anymore, At your feet, I slowly fade and die…
Sabina Tursunqulova was born on October 15, 2006, in Kitob district of Kashkadarya region. She studied at Secondary School No. 3 in Kitob district. From an early age, she showed a deep interest in art, poetry, and culture, developing a special passion for creativity. Her love for books and literature gradually blended with her enthusiasm for learning languages.
Currently, she is a third-year student at the Faculty of Russian Philology of the Uzbekistan State World Languages University. During her student years, she has continued her creative activities and constantly worked on self-development. Her aspirations, research, and devotion to creativity demonstrate her determination to become one of the leading specialists in her field in the future.
“God is Change.” — Octavia Butler, The Parable of the Sower
This month’s issue explores how individuals and societies navigate change, uncertainty, and transformation. Through poetry, essays, cultural criticism, artwork, fiction, and scholarship, these works examine what it means to stay human in a rapidly shifting world, while searching for meaning, connection, identity, and resilience.
Our issue starts with contributors looking directly into time, change, and transformation. Jacques Fleury speaks to seasons, renewal, and the passage of time. Patrick Sweeney’s monostich poems explore transitions, nostalgia, and fleeting but precious moments. J.K. Durick draws on airports as a metaphor for connection, disconnection, and transition. Roberta Beach Jacobson addresses identity, impermanence and transformation in her poetry. Nozimova Shukrona highlights how travel can facilitate personal growth, learning, and development. Tursunova Mehrinoz Oybek qiz outlines the process of self-discovery, career and intellectual development. Laskiaf Amortegui encourages readers to focus on the present and future, drawing on heartbreaks as catalysts for the future rather than letting romantic disappointment hold us back. Elaine Murray celebrates the warm, gentle beauty of the country on a spring day. Brian Barbeito speaks to the deep mystery of the sea as rendered through different works of literature, and to the continual change of seasons.
Other writers speak to love, longing, and human connection. Mesfakus Salahin reflects on the importance of love and freedom in a changing and fragile world. Joshua Obirija somehow misses a place he’s never been. Stephen Jarrell Williams expresses love, longing, nostalgia, imagination, and a sense of vulnerability. Milica Tomić begs a lover to return to her and renew the early days of their relationship. Yuldasheva Xadichaxon Bahodir qizi laments a lost love. Lan Xin speaks eloquent words of comfort to those living through romantic heartbreak. Eva Lianou Petropoulou rejoices in the power of love to overcome difficult situations. Soumen Roy’s poetry “Lonely River” is a reflective and introspective piece that explores themes of love, isolation, growth, and resilience. Kholboyev Mashrab offers love and respect to his caring mother. Abdusalomova Marjona Jahongir qizi celebrates a mother’s unconditional love. Polina Moys celebrates family, kindness, children, and gratitude for everyday blessings. Bakhadirova Rukhshona remembers the love of a caring grandfather figure. Saparboyeva Laylo Hajiboy kizi’s short story relates how mothering can bring people purpose and help them move forward after loss.
Some people engage in existential reflection and the search for meaning. J.J. Campbell’s lyrical works explore disillusionment, existential crisis, and the search for meaning in a decaying world. Jelena Jovanović illuminates existential crisis, nihilism, and the search for meaning. Sterling Warner’s poems rebel against conformity and consumerism, turning instead to inward spirituality. Sayani Mukherjee explores the concept of soul, the essence of a person, and of a society.Duane Vorhees’ poetry speaks to duality, paradox, repression and authenticity, and the subconscious and the power of nature. Daniel G. Snethen and Alex S. Johnson’s spider poem suggests that existence is cyclical, with life and death being intertwined and perpetual. Elena Nedelcu’s poems present a dreamlike, iridescent view of the world, speaking to self-discovery, love and connection, and spiritual searching.
Some look into war, violence, and historical memory. Alan Catlin’s work probes propaganda, wartime violence, and the “banality of evil” with destruction amidst cultural entertainment. Joseph C. Ogbonna critiques hubris through an epic take on Napoleon’s military downfall in the Russian winter. Marjona Karshiyeva Zoxidjon speaks to war, loss, and the longing for peace. Jernail S. Anand urges people to integrate the lessons of history into today rather than consigning historical figures to the past. Su Yun’s pieces point to the impact of violence on a child’s fragile psyche and the power of art to enhance resilience.
Still others explore themes of identity, society, and cultural critique. Ken Poyner touches on the fragility of relationships and social norms and the blurred lines between order and control. Mark Young’s intertextual work sends up a mishmash of names and identities, high and low culture. Alex S. Johnson critiques the propensity of the healthcare system to use its soft power to generate clinical narratives that can override patients’ lived realities. Later, he lampoons celebrity culture through an essay on the off-screen personality of Willem Dafoe. Hilola Sharipova reminds young would-be Internet influencers to focus on character rather than fame and appearance. Muslima Murodova reminds us to look beyond first impressions and avoid snap judgements in social situations.
Literature, art, and creativity are often important vehicles by which we hold onto and communicate our humanity amid change. Kobulova Madina outlines the types of heroes presented in Russian literature and how the concept of heroism has diversified in recent years. Harinder Cheema revels in the power of poetry to foster creativity and transcend cultural boundaries. Ozodbek Narzullayev honors the power of poetry and the calling of being a poet. Shahnoza Amanboyeva adds her thoughts to the question of artificial intelligence’s effects on artistic creativity. Dr. Reda Abdul Rahim compares themes of imagination and facing the unknown in Haruki Murakami’s Murder of the Commander and the ancient epic of Gilgamesh. Murtazoeva Shakhnozabonu advocates for youth to study classical Russian literature. Fhen M. celebrates and honors the lengthy heritage of literary and popular musical and literary culture in his evocative poem. Tuychiyeva Odinaxon Axmadjon qizi looks into how globalization and nationalism are simultaneously influencing Uzbek art. In an interview with poet Eva Lianou Petropoulou about his Hyperloop project, where he collects short poems from around the world, writer Alexander Kabishev discusses what he’s learned about innovation, collaboration, and perseverance.
Several writers look to education, language, and learning as facets of human creativity. Jumanazarova Nafisa speculates on the advantages of online vs offline education. Orinboyeva Sayyora and Maxliyoxon Yuldasheva discuss various pedagogical approaches to improving student communication in foreign languages. Soliyeva Dilshoda Tokhtamatjon qizi highlights ways to use fairy tales to improve language learners’ speech. Alimardonova Gulsevar Sirojiddinovna offers up a comparative analysis of terminology in English and Uzbek. Shohista Narzulla O’ktamova qizi discusses nouns and adjectives in Uzbek dialects. Norqizilova Layla outlines the potential roles for artificial intelligence in education. Feruza Otaboyeva suggests that students should volunteer for the sake of helping others, not just to pad their resumes.
Several of these writers focus on the transformation of society through labor, industry, and modernization. Rakhimova Dilafroʻz Axrorjon qizi explores the food industry as a living expression of Uzbek identity, showing how nourishment becomes a bridge between cultural continuity and modern commerce. Umarova Muattarxon Akromjon qizi similarly examines the garment industry as both a practical and symbolic force within Uzbekistan’s evolving economy, where tradition is stitched into the fabric of contemporary life. Oʻrinboyeva Ziynatjon’s discussion of big data expands this transition into the scientific and technological sphere, portraying a world increasingly shaped by information systems that redefine medicine, research, and communication. Kholdorova Durdona Odiljonovna looks deeper into medicine, outlining the physiological mechanism of inflammation. Muxtorov Xabibullo Kozimjon o‘g‘li discusses modern methods for reactive electrical power compensation. Nigora Tursunboyeva weighs the promises and dangers technology presents to younger generations, illuminating the tension between digital opportunity and emotional vulnerability. Jamilova Zaxro’s work on digital diplomacy further reflects a civilization adapting its oldest political practices to a rapidly interconnected world. Meanwhile, Jalolova Ruxshona Nosir qizi, Ubaydullayeva Fariza Sheraliyevna, and O‘rinboyeva Zarina Xabibullo qizi examine risk prediction and logistics modeling, emphasizing how modern societies increasingly rely upon technology and data to navigate uncertainty.
Yet transition is not only technological or economic; it is deeply moral and psychological. Nazarova Hamida turns toward the humanitarian wisdom of Uzbek poets Alisher Navoi and Abay Qunanbayuli, whose works remind readers that periods of change require compassion and ethical grounding. Hua Ai’s reflections in Quintessence similarly argue that meaningful social transformation begins within the self: before one changes the world, one must first confront one’s own consciousness. Zinnura Yo‘ldoshaliyeva explores the psychology of risk-taking, capturing the fragile threshold between fear and courage that accompanies every major life decision. Xasanova Aziza Kumushbek qizi encourages readers to resist the crushing weight of criticism and maintain dignity amid judgment, portraying resilience as an act of survival during moments of personal upheaval.
Many of these works also examine what it means to remain human within unstable environments. Hauwa Hassan Haruna presents one of the collection’s most striking paradoxes: women are often forced to become invisible for safety while simultaneously fighting to remain visible enough to claim dignity and rights. Erkinjonova Bibisora Elyorbek qizi offers another quiet portrait of vulnerability through her empathy for a lonely older man, suggesting how aging itself becomes a transition into isolation and invisibility. Bill Tope mourns the disappearance of inexpensive comic books and childhood treasures, tracing the painful shift from youthful abundance into nostalgic loss. His reflections remind readers that even ordinary objects become markers of changing eras.
Against these anxieties, several contributors seek refuge in tenderness, imagination, and connection with the natural world. Ananya S. Guha dissolves the boundaries between human beings and nature, envisioning love and belonging on a planet overshadowed by climate crisis. The poems suggest that humanity’s survival may depend upon rediscovering intimacy with the earth itself. Student works collected by Su Yun return readers to innocence through playful clouds and animals, preserving moments of wonder that adulthood often forgets. Christina Chin’s haiga, centered on kittens and their protective mother, offers an image of care and familial devotion amid uncertainty. Likewise, the poem by Chinese poet and music producer He Taiji portrays Lan Xin as a figure of serenity and kindness whose quiet presence becomes transformative for others, reminding readers that gentleness itself can guide people through periods of unrest.
The collection also celebrates the sustaining power of culture and community during times of transition. Rahmonova Dildora highlights the importance of cultural immersion in her piece where a traveler encounters the gentle sincerity of the Uzbek people, suggesting that identity is strengthened through openness rather than isolation. Yayra Erkin qizi Bo‘riyeva advocates for physical exercise, public competitions, and healthier urban design, envisioning communities that evolve not only economically but physically and socially. Her work imagines progress as something lived collectively through public space, movement, and shared participation.
Transition is both disruptive and necessary, integral to human and non-human nature. Even as it unsettles institutions and identities, change can open new possibilities for connection, awareness, and renewal. These works remind us that people endure, adapt, and continue searching for meaning while the world around them transforms.
It was autumn. The leaves on the trees, the gardens and the fields were turning golden. It was time to harvest was coming. We were picking grapes in the garden. My grandparents stayed at home. We all came to the garden. Grandma suddenly called my dad in a panic and said: “Come home quickly, your dad is calling you,” my grandmother said and hung up the phone. Together with my dad I went too. After I left, my father ran to my grandfather’s house.
Suddenly I heard my grandfather say: “My son, don’t fight with your brother, your sisters are yours to keep.” I didn’t understand what my grandfather was saying at all. The next day, there was mourning in our house. For a long time, I missed my grandfather and couldn’t come to my senses.
A year later, I went to a summer camp. After spending 2-3 days there, I left the camp. I saw the director and I thought he looked like my grandfather. He had a mole on his nose, just like my grandfather. His hair looks like an airport where a plane has crashed. I love it very much, like my grandfather.
I stayed. I asked my teacher and found out their names. Their name was Ataniyozov Bahadir. He and I got along very well. He also liked me. I called him Bahadir Ata. The camp was only 12 days long. When I returned from the camp, just like I missed my grandfather, I missed my father Bahadir very much. I will go to the same camp next year too.
I went. But I couldn’t find my father Bahadir. Later I found out that he had retired.
Bakhadirova Rukhshona was born on September 4, 2009 in the Bogat district of the Khorezm region. She was admitted to the Ogahiy creative school based on the 2022 exam and is currently studying in the 10th grade of this school. Rukhshona is the winner of several competitions organized by the school, and also received a B+ (94.25%) certificate in the Uzbek language and literature. In addition, her creative works have been published in several anthologies.
