Essay from ASHIROVA DILRABO ERMATOVNA

Young Central Asian woman with short dark hair, red lipstick, and a silver collared shirt and black coat.

Motivation

If a person sets one goal in their life, no force can stop them….

1. The goal is to never give up.

2. The goal is to not forget the initial goal.

You tried to do something… But it didn’t work out… it didn’t work out, never complain, be patient. Every failure should encourage you. Get up and try. The result will be better than you expected.

We know that no matter how big the door is, it can be opened, and this is, of course, an effort. You should achieve such success that those around you will talk about your victories, not yourself. Only then will your willpower and effort develop even more…

Throughout my career, my students have asked me one question a lot.

—Teacher, who and what inspires you the most?

— I can get motivation from everyone and everything.

But throughout my career, there are magic words that wake me up every morning and help me teach my students…

Excuse me, if necessary, your colleague, who you have worked with for thirty years, sometimes rushes through the school threshold, even when the distance between you is only 10-15 meters, saying, “Okay, I’ll see you when I get inside,” but he’s waiting for me, he’s always waiting, now and in the future…

You might be wondering, what are these words? These are magical and shining words like the sun…

The words “WELCOME” written on the forehead of our school…

Tashkent region. Piskent district. Primary school teacher of secondary school No. 14 ASHIROVA DILRABO ERMATOVNA.

Artwork from Sean Lee

Stylized blue figure of a woman seated at a bar in a coffee shop with full mugs behind her, off kilter angles.
European city with domed buildings and arches, red and yellow and pink and green colors and a cloudy night sky.
Black and white photo of a bed with a nightstand and lamp and open book and maps and posters on the wall.
Person in a blue and black hooded, zippered jacket holding a green magnifying glass in front of a sunlit staircase.

Sean Lee is an emerging artist whose work spans drawing, photography, and cartooning, focusing on themes of stress relief and emotional expression. Sean’s art channels personal experiences, offering visual narratives that resonate with viewers seeking solace and connection. When not creating, Sean is an avid rower, having been part of a rowing team since seventh grade, where teamwork and physical discipline fuel his creativity and balance his daily life.

Poetry from Austin Chung

Dissipate

An orange glow emanates

from the entrance of a cave

wavering heat reaches

its threatening tendrils out 

in hunger, disappearing

The wall of a fallen castle

broken shell of the past

dust settles around the 

decaying wooden floor, the rough

concrete bumps tickle my fingertips

A small well with a bottomless pit

only darkness obstructs what lies within

once in a while, the wisps

will soar into the sky

then dissipate.

Decompose

Sitting alone at my desk

my head resting on my arms

I close my eyes and isolate

the hum of air conditioning

The buzz transforms into cymbals of waves

crashing onto the grainy sand ashore

The sun radiates with exhausting heat

in the freezing water, my feet submerged

keeps my subconscious at bay

I take a moment to behold the scene

one I will never truly see

the bells signal class, and the seagulls

caw their goodbyes as my vision blurs

back to the disappointing scene I started from.

Shedding Non-existent Tears

Supposedly, an everyday morning

the same repetitive routine

Wake up, then take a cup

pour a glass of milk for the morning

It was no special action

just my hand sped too far

but once it started, it never stopped falling

till the glass lay flat on the table

the ringing bell constricted my heart

cause no matter what, I could only have

one cup of milk for every morning

nothing less, and nothing more

I look upon the white liquid

finding crevices on the wooden floor

A forgiving voice whispers in my head

it was bound to happen someday

but the more I stared at the mess I made

the greater wider the hole in my stomach became

so with a disappointed sigh, I wiped the mess

and left with just an empty stomach

Austin Chung is a diligent high school student thriving in the bustling city of Seoul, South Korea. Passionate about his education and driven by curiosity, he is meticulously crafting his portfolio, eagerly seeking opportunities to showcase his talents and achievements. With a keen eye for detail and a hunger for knowledge, Austin is poised to make a significant impact in his academic journey and beyond.

Poetry from Zumrad Sobirova

Young Central Asian woman with straight dark hair, a black top, and black eyes standing in front of a wall of open books with yellowing pages.

I am the child of my Uzbek.

I am the child of the Uzbek,

The beloved of this country.

I live in this homeland, I serve the people. 

In the future, I will certainly, Become a poetess.

I will only raise the flag of my country, To the skies.

I will weave poems, 

I will enrich my country.

With my beautiful poems, 

I will become known to the countries.

I will write such poems, 

That will make the world tremble. The earth and sky, to the world, Sprinkling a peaceful light.

 I draw inspiration from the fruit of the tree, 

These poems will give balm to the heart.

Zumrad Sobirova Tohir qizi was born on April 5, 2007 in the Altinkul neighborhood of Yangibazar district of Khorezm region. She graduated from secondary school No.12 in the district with a gold medal. In addition, she participated in various competitions and festivals and achieved several successes. She received 100% certificates in general education subjects in Mother Tongue and Literature, 77% in History, and B2 level certificates in Foreign Language. She took an honorable 3rd place in the Essay Competition at the regional stage. She took an honorable 1st place in the most beautiful calligraphy category at the “Uzbek Woman” festival. She also works in poetry and prose. Her poems are reflected in the books “Ilm va ijod bo’stoni” and “Ko’zgudagi men”. In her free time, she reads fiction books. I have set main goals for myself and work hard every day to achieve them. I believe that good intentions and relentless pursuit will lead me to my dreams!

Essay from Oysanam Ulmasova

Central Asian teen girl with two dark braids, a white ruffled blouse, and an award in her lap, seated on a wooden step in front of green ivy leaves.

Amir Timur’s Reforms in Public Administration

Student of Group 1-24, History Major, Faculty of Social Sciences, Shahrisabz State Pedagogical Institute

Eshmamatova Oysanam Ulmasovna

Abstract

This article analyzes Amir Timur’s place in world history, focusing on the reforms he implemented in public administration, domestic policy, and foreign policy, all of which contributed to consolidating his power. In advanced Western European countries such as Germany, France, and England, scholars and statesmen held Amir Timur in high esteem. Scientific and artistic works were dedicated to him, he was revered, his name was included in educational curricula, and museums were established.

Keywords: Islamic power, law and order, justice, Timur’s decrees, great statesman, Timurid state

Introduction: Amir Timur (1336–1405) implemented significant reforms in public administration, establishing a strong, centralized state system. His governance policies were founded on order, discipline, justice, and military strength. Based on the demands and necessities of his time, Sohibkiran Amir Timur refined public administration, imbuing it with a new spirit and substance. Although the state structure was rooted in military and political principles, it aimed to protect the interests of all social strata to foster societal development. Under Amir Timur, public administration comprised two institutions: the court and the ministry (divan). The Supreme Ruler personally managed the court. The devonbegi (prime minister) led the executive power. The divan included the Minister of War, the Minister of Property and Taxation, and the Minister of Finance. The statehood and spirituality of the era of Amir Timur and the Timurids hold a special place in our people’s history due to their power, substance, educational value, and influence.[2] In world history, Amir Timur is recognized not only as a great commander and statesman who established a powerful and prosperous state. Sohibkiron was an outstanding diplomat of his time, advocating for the establishment of amicable relations between states and the development of economic ties. He was a great patron of scholars and rulers, architects and poets, earning widespread renown.[1]

 From this perspective, the historical and legal study of Timur’s statutes is of particular relevance. After all, our past heritage, its rich statehood and legal foundations, in particular, the just principles applied in the state and law during the reign of Amir Timur, serve our independence today and contribute to the formation of a high political, moral and legal culture of the individual. The main historical sources covering the life and activities of Amir Timur are extremely numerous and diverse, which indicates that his name, role in world history are incomparable and his great popularity. [3]

Literature review and methodology: Abdulakhad Literature Analysis Mukhammadjanov’s treatise “Amir Timur” published in 2011 provides information about Sahibkiran’s appearance on the state stage, his military campaigns, relations with neighboring countries, and the reforms he carried out. In the 1320s, the Mongol rulers began to dominate Central Asia, and as a result, the foundations of our science and culture, which had been restored by the intelligence of Abu Nasr al-Farabi, Musa al-Khwarizmi, Abu Ali ibn Sina, Abu Rayhan al-Biruni, Ahmad Yugnaki, and Mahmud Kashgari, began to crumble, and the dominant ideology, Islam, also lost much of its status. Because Chigatai Khan, who had taken over Transoxiana as his ulus, was a fierce enemy of Islam. The people of Transoxiana, who were left in the clutches of the enemy, were determined to fight for freedom and sought a spiritual foundation that would transform the idea of independence they had cherished in their hearts into a powerful force and movement. [4]Discussion and conclusions: Amir Temur was a great commander and statesman who introduced unique and strong principles in the field of state administration. His system of government was built on the basis of a strong centralized state, developed on the basis of strict discipline, justice, and military order. Discussion (Main features of Amir Temur’s rule. “Tuzuklar” system Amir Temur described his system of government in his work “Temur’s Tuzuklar”. It set out the rules for state management, military policy, and social order. [3] Centralized state He ruled the state with a strong central authority and established strong discipline. Justice and order He introduced a method of governance based on the principle of “Strength is in justice”.

Administrative and territorial administration – He divided the country into provinces and appointed loyal noyons and officials to each province. Results (Effects of Amir Temur’s rule) A powerful empire was established Amir Temur took control of vast territories from Central Asia to India in a short time. Order and discipline were ensured Internal conflicts were eliminated and governance based on laws was established. Amir Temur’s style of governance was a study not only in his time, but also for statesmen and military strategists in subsequent centuries and remains an experiment worth analyzing. [4]

Summary: The style of government of Amir Temur was built on the basis of a centralized monarchy, based on the principles of strict discipline and justice. He followed the laws and regulations called “Temur’s Regulations” in state administration. Meritocracy, military discipline, and a strong central government played an important role in governance. Amir Temur strengthened his kingdom through military campaigns and political diplomacy, and also paid attention to the development of science and culture. As a result of his rule, a great empire was formed and strong economic, political, and cultural development occurred. The prosperity of the state created the basis for the rise of science, art, and architecture. Samarkand became the cultural and scientific center of the world. After Amir Temur, his descendants ruled the state, but due to internal conflicts and external invasions, the power of the Temurid state weakened and was finally abolished by the Shaybanids in 1507. Thus, the state of Amir Temur was a powerful empire in its time, and its political and cultural heritage has been preserved to this day.

Sources:

1.Abdulahad Muhammadjanov “Amir Temur ” risolasi 2011-yil

2.Muhammad Ali va Toʻlqin hayit “Amir Temur va Temuriylar saltanati”

3.Kapyunning “Temur saltanati boʻylab”

4.E.Bloshening “Temur qabrtoshidagi bitiklar”

5.Kruasiyning “Temuriylar davrida Samarqand yodgorliklari”

Poetry from Bhagirath Choudhary

Older South Asian man with white hair, a trimmed mustache, red sweater and brown coat.

Saying No to Nirvana

Until I learn and earn merits of this human birth

Cultivating loving care and concern like mother earth

Mother earth keeping her promise and word

Loving her children, she walks upon edge of sword

If earth stumbles slightly away from the Sun

That will turn oceans in icy desert, killing everyone

If earth moves a little closer to Sun in her orbit

That will burn all upon earth turning it into hell’s pit.

Earth works every moment, giving her best

Making for her children day to work and night to rest

If earth never turns on her axis, making no day or night

Half of earth will burn and half will reel under freezing fright.

With her seasons, earth distributes her love to all

Without discrimination to a mountain or a mole

She asks her clouds to be careful to rain drop by drop

For giving water to every plant of a farmer’s crop

Until I learn and earn holy merits becoming worth

If I can turn into love and light like mother earth

Crying for Nirvana without loving wisdom like a fool

How could I wish to run away from my earth school

Until I incorporate love and light in my being

Until I cultivate loving eyes for cosmic blessing

Until I become responsible earth citizen here

What good nirvana will do to an escapist under fear ?

All rights reserved

 

__________

The Roma Spirit 

I lived 

Like an earthly native

With loving motive

Enamored with

Love of humanity

Travelling ever

To meet humane

And kind community

Travelling light

Keeping only

Love in sight

I embraced

My humble poverty

I ignored

The material property

For the bargain

Of my all loving heart

I let go

Wealth and its art

I settled no where

To raise the wall

And to call

The land, 

The river and air

As my own share

With unconditional love and compassion

My universal Roma Spirit 

Craved to enrich the human nation

I moved on 

Like a wind 

Carrying the fragrance

From the flower

And its sacred essence

To the distant

Civilizations upon earth

Spreading human worth

Of heavenly hearth

Now,

The land owners

And the miners

Of wealth and jewels

Tell me, 

You lived

Like a vagabond

Sorry, it is too late

To accommodate

They said,

We have

Divided all the earth

Its forests and its rivers 

And its heavenly hearth

To raise 

Our material worth

Laden with their gold

So very bold

Scolding Roma

They announced 

By spiritual wisdom

You may be tall

But without wealth

You are 

A lost soul, Pal

Poetry from Greg Gildersleeve

Lonely at the Top

I climbed to the top of the world.
The Statue of Liberty has secret stairs. 
They go right up to the torch
and narrow as you go.
Only one person can touch the torch
and see the paint-brush truth of its distant splendor.

At the top,
there is nowhere else to go.
A child might climb on the torch itself.
The adult sees only danger;
where the steps end so do I.

Carefully, I turn around,
Survey all beneath me:
the island and harbor,
the tiny people and Fisher-Price buildings,
Like the toys I had when I was small:
I am their God.

But what can a God do but stare
and be stared at with moribund reverence?
I am above it all.
When I was a child,
I could touch my toys,
move them around.
I can do so no longer,
nor can I swim in the harbor 
or walk the land,
so I look up.

The twinkling lights,
New worlds to dominate,
transform, the last chance 
for a god to matter.

I must come down
backwards, the way I came,
careful not to trample or be trampled
by those I have passed along the way.



What Standing Up to Tyranny Looks Like


Crowded beach.
Party for all.
Group of hooligans crash
with big guns and armbands.

They laugh loud and announce
they will shoot their guns over the sea,
disrupt the quiet, peaceful brunch
with their monotone supremacy.

Our general jogs over,
with no uniform or rank,
just a sleeveless jacket
and quiet, personal energy

to tell them they are welcome,
but their threats are not.
He cannot arrest them, they know,
or force them to leave.

Alone, he tries to keep the peace
with young men who desire to end it.
He jogs off, getting in the last word,
for all that words matter.

The hooligans proceed to fire
their munitions, pollute
the air and sea
and laugh and laugh.



If a Certain Politician Has His Way


The loss of income 
and transportation
is not as bad
as the loss of purpose.

That’s why I’m excited
when the library accepts
my offer to volunteer.
They tell me to come in on Monday
to fill out the paperwork.
Then on Tuesday a van
will escort me to the job site
to see how things work out.

I can’t wait to dive in,
to stack books or paint walls,
whatever they ask of me.
I go in a few days early
to check the place out
and park my bike in the hall
as there are no bike stands outside,
an antiquated convenience
no longer needed in a nation
of super rich and unseen poor.

I stroll into the lobby
and ask a librarian
if I can leave my bike where it is.
She goes with me and sees
the bike is quite large—an obstruction,
she labels it, even though the hallway
is wide. She assists me,

as librarians do, in finding
a more suitable location
in a building undesigned
for the likes of me.



Solidarity

Lunch in these perilous times
is risky. Still we meet,
hash our plans in silent rebellion
over broth and cheap tea,
the three of us with nothing in common
but our vision.

The overlords catch on.
They choose to punish me, the traitor
to their class. They grab my body
with their invisible force and raise me
toward their searing white light.

A pair of hands grab my leg.
Tentacles envelop the other.
My co-conspirators reveal themselves,
refusing to let me go,
refusing to obey,
suspending me in the air.

The overlords, not known for giving up,
relinquish their light. I fall to the café floor.
An unseen voice tells us we will pay.
We know. We already have paid 
with a thousand percent interest.

 

Greg Gildersleeve lives in the Kansas City area where he teaches college courses in composition, technical writing, and creative writing. He authored two Young Adult novels, The Power Club (2017) and The Secret Club (2020), and a novella, False Alarm (2015). His work has appeared in newsletters The Teaching Professor and Faculty Focus. He won the Publication Award of Johnson County Community College, Overland Park KS.