London, April 16, 2024, The Europe Today: Ravshan Usmanov, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan in London, recently engaged in a productive meeting with the celebrated British poet Andrew Staniland, as reported by Uzbek media sources.
During their encounter, Andrew Staniland presented the Uzbek embassy with the inaugural copy of “Yangi usul, yangi shiriyat: jadidlar anthology,” a newly published English edition showcasing modern Uzbek poetry.
This anthology, crafted through a collaborative effort between Andrew Staniland and Uzbek poets and translators Azam Obid and Avazkhan Haydarov, pays homage to eminent figures of Uzbek literature, including Abdulhamid Cholpon, Mahmudhoja Behbudi, Munavvar Qori Abdurashidkhanov, Abdulla Avloni, Tolagan Khojamyorov, Abdurauf Fitrat, Hamza Hakimzada Niyazi, Abdulla Qadiri, Osman Nasir, and Nozimakhonim. Their poems are presented bilingually in Uzbek and English, enriching cross-cultural appreciation.
The anthology’s preface offers readers a comprehensive exploration of the modernist movement’s historical context, emphasizing the promotion of enlightenment ideals and the integration of contemporary scientific achievements while nurturing national heritage and identity.
Andrew Staniland expressed deep appreciation for Uzbekistan’s commitment to exploring the lives, contributions, and legacies of modernist intellectuals, highlighting efforts to honor enlightened figures and produce artistic works and films depicting their narratives.
“In the new Uzbekistan, notable advancements in science, education, and culture—especially reforms aligning educational systems with contemporary needs and elevating the role of educators—are emblematic of the aspirations cherished by Uzbek modernists,” remarked Andrew Staniland.
Looking ahead, Andrew Staniland shared plans to publish “The Three Poets,” a forthcoming collection spotlighting Ajiniyaz, Berdaq, and Ibrayim Yusupov—renowned Karakalpak poets—marking the first English translation of their works. This initiative aims to familiarize English poetry enthusiasts with Karakalpakstan’s rich history, customs, and cultural heritage.
