Kokand poetesses

They say an oriental woman is the standard of tenderness, wisdom, modesty. She, like a delightful flower, gives everyone her beauty, love and kindness. Every Oriental woman is unique and talented. There is a galaxy of Kokand poetesses in Uzbek poetry, praising the beauty of Oriental women. Some of them had a difficult fate, but the trace they managed to leave is very bright. Their poems are quoted, biographies are studied. Nadira, Uvaysi, Anbar-Ata, Makhzoda Begim, Makhzuna, Mushtariy and others – they are like mountain emeralds, rare, but very valuable.

Kokand is the oldest city in the Fergana Valley, known to the whole world. Once this city was the center of the cultural world. Trade routes passed through here and the Kokand Khanate flourished. The Kokand rulers created all conditions for the development of science and literature. The wife of such a khan Umarkhan was Nadira.

Nadira (1792-1842) is a prominent poet who occupies a special place in Uzbek literature. She was born in Andijan. She received a good education, studied literature and history. In her work Nadira continued the traditions of Alisher Navoi. She sang of love for a person, tried to reveal his spiritual beauty. She is very attentive to the life of an Oriental woman, praises female beauty and kindness. In her poems Nadira shares her emotional experiences and longing for her beloved:

His beauty is fire, and his heart is to burn in it, 

My love is a misfortune that led the army into battle. 

My sadness comes later, and my heart is a swimmer in it,

 To throw my anchor into the depths of the waters of love.  

Uvaysi (1781-1845) was a poet and a classic of Uzbek literature. She is also a bright representative of Kokand women's poetry. Uvaysi was born in Margilan. She has lived in Kokand all her life. She received a good education, had excellent knowledge of literary theory. It was Uvaysi who taught Nadira poetry. In her work, she sang the love of life, fought against lawlessness, evil and violence.

Just as the universe was ordered to be by the cycle of time for a while, 

So man is given the destiny to be a guest of these parties for a while.

The time comes for lush roses, and lush roses bloom.

But the color of red roses is bright - alas, this is the law - for a while. 

Anbar-Atyn (1870-1915) was an incomparable poet of Kokand lyrics. She was born and lived in Kokand. She began to get interested in poetry from an early age. Her father Farmankul was a Uvaysi tribesman. Here is what Anbar-Atyn wrote about her parents:

My father, Farmankul, is from Margilan, 

And my mother, Ashurbibi– is a child of Kokand.

They are simple couch weavers, 

They ate corn bread all the time.

Anbar-Atyn was familiar with many famous writers and poets. In her work, she raised important public issues, fought for people's rights. Her works are vivid examples of classical literature.

You are called a man - do the deed, 

Overcome everything with a skillful habit.

And if, wherever you hear a word of truth, 

Listen to it with mature confidence.

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