Open and bitter questions for the presidential candidates of Uzbekistan about the current state of literature and art in the country
Despite the fact that Uzbekistan has a rich, colorful and great heritage in the field of art and literature, our people are completely unaware of much of this heritage, and the world community is not aware of even one percent of it. Can you imagine, not even 1 percent?!
Despite the fact that officials say that Uzbekistan is opening up to the world in all spheres, the following very important events have not yet taken place or not established in the country:
– International Creative Writing Residency / Creative Tourism Program;
– International House of Creativity;
– Annual International Poetry Festival;
– Annual International Writers’ Festival (Conference/Symposium)
Moreover, no city in Uzbekistan is included in the UNESCO list of cities of literature or art!
Not many people in Uzbekistan know what a literary agency or literary agent is!
Among hundreds of members of the Writers’ Union and the Academy of Arts, even among the national poets and writers, there are not world-famous ones, and almost no one appears to speak on the world stages!
Most Uzbek poets, writers and artists do not know foreign languages at all. There is a lack of any organization or mechanism to guide them on the way to the world creative stage, to get acquainted with authors abroad, to publish their works abroad, to exhibit, to participate in international festivals, to participate in the residences of international writers and artists, to establish international creative relations, and to study abroad!
There is no large institute (such as the Goethe Institute in Tashkent, for example) that promotes and introduces Uzbek literature, art, culture and various traditions and values abroad. Does anyone believe that the recently opened Vatandosh Foundation will do anything?
The most famous representatives of the nation’s literature have not been translated into world languages. For instance, not even one percent of Alisher Navoi’s works is available in English! Why are we not ashamed to say that Navoi is well-known in the world? Did anyone ask what the Navoi Foundation, opened last year, is working on?
Almost no one abroad knows the classic and modern writers, poets and artists from the regions and Karakalpakstan!
Where do the funds of regional administrations/hakimiyats for literature and art go? Or is there anything more important in this field than teaching languages to young poets, writers and artists, sending them on creative trips abroad, bringing foreign artists and attracting them to literary translation and master classes for creative youth?
The activities of the state-owned literature museums and house-museums are very weak, and if we plan to hold an event there, we will have to wait for special permission. For example, the Ogahi Museum in Khiva does not even have a single historical exhibit! The Oltin Meros center in Namangan is in a state of disrepair.
Modern Uzbek writers, poets and artists consider membership in the association, the use of a free clinic, a privileged apartment, a country house and any state award as their main goal, and only few people think about improving their knowledge, language learning, and going to international circles!
The graduates of the University of Uzbek Language and Literature, who are responsible for some of the above tasks, do not intend to open their own creative projects, and are often immersed in local affairs in the newspaper editorial office or on TV. Another group of young artists went abroad in search of work, and a very small number went to study abroad. Is that why universities of literature and art were created?
Is AOKA, which is responsible for the promotion of Uzbek literature, doing something worthwhile in this regard?
The most famous Uzbek writer, Abdulhamid Ismail, who is famous abroad, is not allowed to enter Uzbekistan. Can anyone tell why?
Does anyone think of attracting Uzbek artists to diplomacy and international relations? Does anyone think of fostering ambassadors and cultural attachés among them?
Creative schools in the capital and the provinces, which aim to nurture young artists, are once again dreaming of joining state-run creative associations.
On the other side, the 84-year-old people’s poet Jamol Kamol’s proposals to publish not his own books, but his translations of Nizami’s priceless works, are being sent back and forth, from the presidential portal to the khakimiyats.
You say that you miss the conversation with our great late poets A.Aripov and E.Vahidov. Will you not consider taking valuable advice and guidance from Jamol Kamol, Ibrohim Haqqul and alike?
Is the great national poet Rauf Parfi and true creative minds like him are considered strangers for not serving the government?
At a time when we are “studying foreign experience” in all areas, why can’t we take the best and most necessary foreign experience in the creative field?
I am in favor of the transition of Uzbek literature and art from the state to the path of independent development, as in the most advanced countries. For this, of course, it is necessary to immediately create appropriate benefits for philanthropists, businessmen, donor organizations that support literature and art, as well various creative projects.
Could you please incorporate solutions to these questions into your election program?
I believe that the people with more fearless, strong, and free creative minds live in freedom and prosperity. Do you agree with me?
A’zam Obidov
National Coordinator
Of the World Poetry Movement in Uzbekistan
