By: Choriyeva Oynur
Abstract
This article explores the life journey, creative works, achievements, and social significance of Abdulla Oripov, the People’s Poet of Uzbekistan, a skilled translator, and a world-renowned literary figure.
Keywords: Abdulla Oripov, life and work, rich literary heritage, achievements, global recognition
Introduction
Abdulla Oripov (1941–2016) was a People’s Poet of Uzbekistan, awarded the prestigious title “Hero of Uzbekistan.” A renowned Uzbek poet, translator, and public figure, he authored the text of the National Anthem of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Oripov stands as one of the most prominent figures in 20th-century Uzbek literature and received numerous international awards throughout his lifetime.
Early Life and Education
Abdulla Oripov was born on March 21, 1941, in Nekuz village, Koson District, Kashkadarya Region, situated at the foot of Kungirtau mountain. He vividly described his homeland’s beauty, especially in spring when the foothills blossomed with diverse herbs and flowers, creating a paradise-like atmosphere. Growing up in a family of eight siblings, with his father Orifboy Ubaydulla o’g’li as a collective farm chairman and his mother Turdixol momo as a homemaker, Abdulla’s childhood was typical of rural life, involving shepherding, collecting hay, and other chores.
Despite a simple upbringing, Abdulla was different—reflective, sensitive, and deeply fond of books. Even before school, he enjoyed rhyming words, captivated more by their sound than meaning. Reflecting later, he said, “I don’t know exactly what motivated me to write my first poems. Maybe boredom, maybe joy—writing was simply inevitable.”
In 1958, Oripov graduated from high school with a gold medal and entered the Faculty of Journalism at the Uzbek Philology Department of what is now the National University of Uzbekistan. Surrounded by books from a young age, his passion for literature and science blossomed early. He graduated with honors in 1963 and embarked on a prolific career in publishing and journalism.
Professional Career
Between 1963 and 1967, Oripov worked as an editor at the “Yosh Gvardiya” publishing house. He later headed a department at “Sharq Yulduzi” magazine (1974–1976), served as literary consultant at the Writers’ Union of Uzbekistan (1986–1982), was editor-in-chief of “Gulxan” magazine (1983–1985), and executive secretary of the Union in Tashkent region (1985–1996). From 1996 to 2009, he chaired the Writers’ Union of Uzbekistan and concurrently led the State Agency for Copyright Protection. From 2009 until his passing, he was Honorary Chairman of the Writers’ Union.
Oripov also served as a deputy of the Supreme Council of Uzbekistan (1990), a member of the Oliy Majlis (1995), and a Senator (2005). He passed away on November 5, 2016, in Texas, USA, after a prolonged illness, and was laid to rest in Tashkent’s Chagatai district.
Literary Contributions
Oripov began publishing poems as a student, with his first poem “The Bird” appearing in the republican press. His early works, such as “Listening to the Prayer,” “My First Love,” “Spring,” “Uzbekistan,” and many others, are cornerstones of Uzbek literature. His first poetry collection, Mitti Yulduz (“Little Star”), published in 1965, marked the arrival of a remarkable literary talent.
Subsequent collections, including Ko‘zlarim Yo‘lingda (“My Eyes on Your Path”), Onajon (“Mother”), Ruhim (“My Soul”), and others, further solidified his legacy. Oripov was also a prolific epic poet; his epics like Path to Paradise, Healer and Death, and Sohibqiron are celebrated by Uzbek readers.
Notably, he authored the lyrics of Uzbekistan’s National Anthem, a symbol of national pride. Internationally, he was a foreign member of the International Academy of Science, Education, Industry and Art (California, USA), a professor at Soka University (Japan), and served on the editorial board of the National Encyclopedia of Uzbekistan. He was honored with the Hamza State Prize, the Alisher Navoi State Prize, and in 2015, received the Order of the Star of Italy, awarded by the Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
Oripov also mastered the ghazal genre, with his 2024 collection Great Simplicity featuring 34 ghazals. As a translator, he notably rendered Dante’s Divine Comedy into Uzbek, a labor-intensive project he cherished. Additionally, he translated works by Nekrasov, Lesya Ukrainka, Taras Shevchenko, and others.
His poem Uzbekistan — My Homeland remains deeply cherished, embodying the spirit and pride of his nation.
Literary Style and Influence
Oripov’s poetry addressed spiritual and philosophical themes, especially relevant during Uzbekistan’s independence era. His work reflects a blend of the philosophical lyricism characteristic of Gafur Gulyam and the musical simplicity of Hamid Alimjan. This fusion imparts a mystical quality, positioning Oripov as a key figure in modern Uzbek poetry.
Conclusion
Entering the Uzbek literary scene in the 1960s, Abdulla Oripov became a herald of new poetic thought during a period of social transformation. His poems capture the evolving spiritual landscape, the quest for freedom, and the awakening of new ideas in society. Often called the “Navoi” of Uzbek poetry, Oripov’s legacy endures as a beacon of national identity and literary excellence.
Choriyeva Oynur is a Student, Faculty of English Philology, Uzbekistan State World Languages University, Muborak District, Republic of Uzbekistan