Essay from Dilnoza Xusanova

Illuminated life and creative path of Erkin Vahidov

Erkin Vahidov, a prominent representative of Uzbek literature, a famous poet, translator, dramatist and community leader, created a very blessed work. Hero of Uzbekistan, People’s Poet of Uzbekistan Erkin Vahidov was born on December 28, 1936 in Altariq district of Fergana region in the family of a teacher. His childhood coincided with the Second World War. His father Chuyanboy Vahidov returned from the Second World War with severe injuries and died in 1945. A year later, her mother Roziya Khan Vahidova also passed away. Young Erkin, separated from both father and mother, is brought up by his uncle Karim. Arriving in Tashkent – the capital, the poet diligently and enthusiastically continued his studies. The young poet, who became a famous and honored poet of our nation with his works, developed love and passion for books and literature very early. 

Older Central Asian man, nearly bald, with a black cap and black and white checkered tie and white shirt seated at a desk by a window.

He took an active part in the literary circle organized by the poet Ghairati and began to learn the secrets of creativity. Erkin Vahidov’s first collection was published in 1961 under the name “Morning Breath”. This collection sharpened his talent and potential, fueled his passion for poetry. After that, one after the other, “My songs are for you”, “Heart and mind”, “My star”, “Shout”, “Lyrics”, “Epic written on the wall”, “Department of Youth”, “Lighthouse”, “Epics” “, “Love”, “Current Youth”, “Living Planets”, “Suffering” were published. The deep meaning, pure expressions, and wonderful images in a number of poems of the poet, who sensitively feels the magic of folk literature, such as “Morning Plate”, “About Humility”, “Bulak”, “Love”, “Mother Earth” reflect found.

Erkin Vahidov worked as an editor, editor-in-chief, director at the “Yosh Gvardiya” publishing house, at the literary and art publishing house named after Gafur Ghulam, and as the editor-in-chief at the “Yoshlik” magazine. He contributed to the publication of many high-quality works. At the same time, he also wrote great epics such as “Exclamation”, “Epic Written in Palatka”, “The Place of the Sun”, “Rebellion of Spirits”. It is difficult to imagine the work of the poet without his work as a translator. He skillfully translated the works of many famous world poets into Uzbek. In particular, the poems of the Russian poet S. Yesenin translated by E. Vahidov, the work “Faust” by the German poet Goethe were big events in Uzbek literature.

Erkin Vahidov collected his works created over a period of more than fifty years and created a four-volume collection entitled “Trade of Love”, “Poetry World”, “The river of life” and “Exclamation of the heart”. It is not wrong to say that these works are a mirror and reflection of the people’s life. Erkin Vahidov, who gained attention in Elda, did not only write poems and epics, but also created works in other genres. He also tried his hand at dramaturgy and created dramas such as “The Golden Wall” and “Istanbul Tragedy”. Our beloved poet Erkin Vahidov’s services to the country and literature were taken into account, and he was awarded the Order of “Great Merit” and the title of “Hero of Uzbekistan”.

Erkin Vahidov, the beloved child of our people, great creator, People’s Poet of Uzbekistan, died on May 30, 2016 at the age of 79.

Central Asian teen girl with a floral dress with a white collar and long dark hair. She's sitting next to a stack of Uzbek patterned hats.