Even in my poems, I strive to express the human inner world and emotions through the breath of nature and the beauty of the universe – Farida Afruz
Farida Afruz is Vice Chair of the Uzbekistan Writers’ Union, recipient of the “Dostlik” Order, renowned poet, prose writer, playwright, and translator.
Interviewed by: Jakhongir NOMOZOV
— In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues facing writers and poets today?
For contemporary creators—writers and poets, individuals who live through their spiritual world—the most painful and distressing issue is the crisis of values. The noble ideals, spiritual roots, and sacred feelings that have spiritually nourished humanity for centuries are gradually being forgotten under the pressure of the global information flow and consumerist mindset. “If a person’s soul is disconnected from spirituality, it resembles an empty body; external beauty exists, but the inner life fades.” Today, we are witnessing precisely this situation. People, under the guise of modernity, believe they are wealthy, yet they are spiritually impoverished. Information is abundant, but comprehension is lacking. Freedom exists, yet we are burdened with unnecessary spiritual loads. The external world is beautiful, but the inner world is empty. A poet’s heart cannot remain indifferent to this process—they express pain through words, awaken the soul with melody, and call the spirit to awareness through thought. A writer and poet are the spiritual healers of our time, capable of soothing a troubled era with their words. They remind us of forgotten values, elevate spirituality, and illuminate hearts yearning for light. Therefore, creative individuals must always remain spiritually awake.
— Do you believe that works on par with world literature are being created in contemporary Uzbek literature?
—Uzbek literature is a source of ancient and continuously developing spiritual wealth. Its roots trace back to the “Orkhon-Enasoy” written monuments. These sources are significant not only for Turkic peoples but for the spiritual heritage of all humanity. Uzbek literature has evolved and matured over centuries, intertwined with Islamic culture, Turan civilization, and local oral traditions. Today, this literature is actively thriving: beautiful poems and wise works are being created, harmoniously blending national spirit, historical memory, and modern worldview. They are finding their place in the realm of world literature. Contemporary Uzbek writers and poets are not merely relying on past legacies but are critically analyzing them and enriching them with new artistic tones and styles. This signifies the continuous development and potential of our literature.
— As a playwright, you have made significant contributions. In your view, how does dramaturgy differ from other genres, and what draws you to it?
—Dramaturgy is the depiction of my soul. It is the art of deeply expressing human spirit, societal pains, and emotional struggles through the language of the stage. It touches the most delicate strings of human emotions, transforming words into action and thoughts into theatrical expression. I must emphasize that a work like “Queen of the Alai, Qorbonjon Dodhoh,” with its historical and social themes, could not be fully expressed in any genre other than drama. This character demanded the breath of the stage, life-like movement and struggle, courage, and selflessness. Her internal drama, external conflicts, and living with the people’s pain gain true strength through drama. For me, dramaturgy is not just a creative direction—it is the process of transforming thought into action and emotion into impact. It allows me to influence the human heart, bridge the past and present, and harmonize national history and spirit with a modern breath. Through drama, I began to feel life’s pain, hope, and human dignity more deeply.
— As a translator, what are your thoughts on the interaction and influence between different literatures? What kind of works should be translated and presented to readers?
—Translation is a golden bridge connecting peoples and hearts. The strength and stability of this bridge require constant attention and care. Through translation, we can introduce readers to the spiritual wealth, unique worldview, and artistic expressions of other nations. It is essential to translate works that enrich our literature, resonate with our national spirit, and contribute to the development of our readers’ worldview. This process not only broadens horizons but also fosters mutual understanding and cultural exchange.
Read: Poetry by Farida Botayeva
“Therefore, it is necessary to constantly enrich our literary landscape with new translations. Translating the works of fraternal nations—those infused with both national spirit and universal human values—into Uzbek in a high-quality, artistic, and scholarly manner is not only a cultural responsibility, but also an honorable mission that serves international friendship and harmony.”
—As a poet and prose writer, what inspires and influences you?
—I always draw my inspiration from the pure breath of existence, from the unparalleled beauty of nature. Every feeling, thought, and image within me is born from conversations with natural landscapes and from listening to the sincere melodies of life.
Nature, for me, is a source of beauty, wonder, and inspiration.
Even in my poems, I strive to express the human inner world and emotions through the breath of nature and the beauty of the universe.
My source of inspiration is life itself—its purity and simplicity.
—How do you balance daily life and writing time during the creative process?
—I have always placed creativity and the desire to write above daily, household concerns.
However, as a woman and a mother, I have also been responsible for maintaining the peace and harmony of my family environment. So I’ve managed to allocate time equally for both.
Thanks to God, today the fruits of my efforts are my large, harmonious, and peaceful family—my children, grandchildren, and their healthy and beautiful lives, which always bring comfort and tranquility to my heart.
As for my creative achievements—I believe it is better for specialists to evaluate what I have accomplished and the level of my works. I find it uncomfortable to analyze these things about myself.
—What do you think differentiates modern literature from traditional literary traditions? What is your view of the new generation of writers?
—Modernity, by its very name, means newness.
Its difference lies precisely in that newness!
As for my view of the new generation’s spirit and creativity—since I currently work closely with young people, I want to especially emphasize that I disapprove of the prevalent mood of ingratitude among them.
The constant dissatisfaction reflected in many of their works is not a good sign.
As a representative of an older generation who has walked the uneven roads of life, seen the highs and lows of the world, and experienced the warmth and coldness of life in my own heart, I watch today’s youth and feel that this spirit of ingratitude poses a real danger—particularly for them!
—In your creative search, what methods do you use to explore the inner world of your characters? And how do your personal discoveries influence your work?
—Creativity is a living process—like a living organism that is always in motion and exists within the creator.
When the creator cries, the spirit of creativity within also weeps; when they laugh, it rejoices; when they suffer, it shares the pain; and when they are happy, it celebrates with them.
And of course, the poetic persona—the lyric “I”—is not someone far from the author, but the author themselves.
When it comes to exploring the inner world of characters—every artist looks at the world through the window of their creative home and depicts what is reflected within it.
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Jakhongir NOMOZOV is a poet and journalist from Uzbekistan
