The world answered. My country didn’t.

7 Years of UzLAB — A Bridge That Stood on Hope

Today marks 7 years since UzLAB — Uzbekistan’s independent literature and art bridge — came to life. It began with love, hope, and a handful of dreamers from Tashkent, Namangan, Andijan, Ferghana, Samarkand, Jizzakh, Bukhara, and Khorezm. Together with my family and a circle of devoted volunteers, we welcomed over 100 poets, writers, translators, artists, and cultural ambassadors from around the world.

They came not for money, but for meaning — meeting our students, children, and creatives; sharing stories, art, and the spirit of freedom. For a few shining years, Uzbekistan became a crossroads of ideas.

And then — silence.

Despite letters, proposals, and even appeals signed by international literary festivals to the President himself — not a single hand reached back. Neither the government nor the private sector saw value in supporting something genuine, independent, and alive.

We say we love innovation, creativity, and global dialogue — but only when it fits in official slogans. True exchange, freedom of expression, independent thought? Not yet, it seems.

It hurts when you try to serve your motherland and realize… it’s not picking up the phone. Maybe it’s still on Do Not Disturb.

Still, my endless gratitude goes to our international friends who believed in this land more than some of its own leaders did. Thank you for bringing your light, sharing your stories, and planting seeds of openness and courage.

UzLAB may no longer exist — but its spirit still breathes. Somewhere, in the minds of those young people who once saw what real exchange looks like. And as for me — my creative journey continues. The bridge may have been broken, but the road ahead is still mine to walk. One day, perhaps, a bit of magic will happen — and someone will see the value, the potential, and the need to help such bridges rise again.