Otkir Hashimov: People’s Writer of Uzbekistan

nasiraijaz November 6, 2025

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Exploring the life and literary work of Otkir Hashimov, a prominent figure in Uzbek literature and a celebrated People’s Writer

Choriyeva Oynur | Uzbekistan

The study provides information on childhood of Otkir Hashimov, his vivid portrayal of Uzbek family values in his works, and his artistic depiction of the fate of ordinary people. The main ideas of his renowned works such as “Between Two Doors”, “Works of the World”, and “Spring Does Not Return” are analyzed in terms of their spiritual and educational significance. Hashimov’s works are notable for encouraging humanity, kindness, patience, and an understanding of the true value of life. The article also highlights his role in Uzbek literature and his contribution to the education of younger generations.

National literature is a crucial medium reflecting the spiritual identity of a nation, its past, present, and future. Literature not only provides artistic pleasure but also educates, expresses societal processes artistically, and preserves historical memory. Otkir Hashimov, the People’s Writer of Uzbekistan, holds a special place among those writers who have shouldered great responsibility in developing Uzbek literature and remain close to the hearts of the people. In his works, he artistically portrayed life’s painful truths, human dignity, kindness, conscience, loyalty, maternal love, and honor.

The distinguishing feature of Hashimov’s works lies in their folk simplicity, profound engagement with life events, and a compassionate approach to each character. Works such as “Between Two Doors”, “Works of the World”, “Spring Does Not Return”, and “Listen to Your Heart” illuminate the human inner world and provide an artistic analysis of social realities. Though his characters are ordinary people, their spiritual depth embodies the dreams, sufferings, and aspirations of an entire era.

Otkir Hashimov, the People’s Writer of Uzbekistan, was born on August 5, 1941, in the Dombirabad district of Tashkent. Despite excelling in school, family circumstances required him to work while studying. He attended the correspondence department of the Faculty of Journalism at Tashkent State University while working for newspapers such as Temiryolchi, Tashkent Haqiqati, and Kyzil Uzbekistan. Between 1966 and 1982, he served as head of a department at Tashkent Akshomi newspaper, and from 1982 to 1985, he worked as deputy editor-in-chief at the publishing house named after Ghulam. Since 1985, he served as editor-in-chief of the Sharq Yozni magazine. He was also a deputy of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and chairman of the Press and Information Committee.

Hashimov began his career in journalism. His first book, Steel Rider, was published in 1962, and his first story, Four Letters, appeared in 1963. The short story Desert Air (1963) followed, inspired by a letter of encouragement from teacher Abdulla Qahhar. Subsequent stories, including Odamlar Nya Derkin and The Wind Blows, established his literary presence. Notably, the short stories Spring Does Not Return (1970) and Listen to Your Heart (1973) brought him fame. In 1976, he received the Republic Youth Award for these works.

In the novel There Is Light, There Is Shade (1976), Hashimov addressed pressing spiritual and moral issues of the time, revealing societal stagnation and vices. His 1982 short story, World Affairs, earned the Oybek Prize from the Writers’ Union of Uzbekistan and further explored themes of spirituality. The novel Between Two Doors holds special significance, summarizing nearly forty years of historical and social change through the lives of complex characters. In 1986, the novel was awarded the State Prize of the Republic named after Hamza.

Hashimov also contributed to the narrative genre with works such as Love, A Farmer’s Day, The Last Victim of War, and Uzbek Work, significantly advancing Uzbek storytelling. His articles, including The White Book of the Heart, Those Who Break the Sacred Oath, What Will We Say to the Generations?, Where is the Logic?, and The Secret of the State, stand as achievements in modern Uzbek journalism.

As a dramatist, his plays and comedies, including Hazon Bolgan Bahor, Toylar Muborak, Vijdon Dorisi, Human Loyalty, and Repression, were successfully staged in republican theaters. His 2001 work, Inscriptions on the Edge of the Notebook, left a lasting impact on social and spiritual life. Hashimov also translated works by O. Bergholtz, S. Zweig, Mustai Karim, and V. Shukshin into Uzbek. Many of his best works have been translated into Russian and other languages. In total, he published over fifty works with a circulation exceeding two million copies.

In recognition of his achievements, Hashimov was awarded the honorary title of People’s Writer of Uzbekistan in 1991, and the orders Labour Fame (1996) and For Great Services (2001). He passed away on May 24, 2013, in Tashkent.

Otkir Hashimov is remembered in Uzbek literature as an artist deeply attuned to the human psyche, societal issues, spirituality, and morality. His works explore themes such as the inner world of individuals, conscience, kindness, maternal honor, loyalty, and goodness with exceptional artistry. His short stories and novels resonate with readers for their truthful depiction of Uzbek life, mentality, customs, and values. The universality of his themes ensures their relevance across eras. Works like Between Two Doors, Works of the World, and Spring Does Not Return emphasize honesty, patience, kindness, conscience, and responsibility as central human virtues.

Otkir Hashimov was not only a masterful writer but also a creator who shaped societal consciousness, elevated public spirit, and made a lasting contribution to Uzbek literature. His literary legacy continues to serve as a spiritual school for future generations, with ideas that remain meaningful today and in the future. Consequently, Otkir Hashimov’s works represent a priceless literary treasure, deserving of study, promotion, and appreciation.