Uzbek culture, literature under the spotlight

That literature brings people together and guides them is incredibly powerful and moving. When you read, you gain an insight into the author’s emotions and experiences.

Lebanese Writer and Poet Taghrid Fayyad, who believes in the power of literature to break down cultural barriers, organised a cultural forum on Uzbek culture and literature.

The event was held with the co-operation of the Embassy of Uzbekistan at the Cairo-based African Association and was attended by several Egyptian and Uzbek writers in the presence of officials including Sherzod Yakubov of the Uzbekistan Embassy.

The forum witnessed the signing ceremony of A Journey to the Heart an international anthology of poems, articles and short stories translated from Uzbek into English by Asror Allayarov, who works for Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Sports. The book was later translated from English into Arabic by Taghrid Fayyad.

Mr Allayarov told this newspaper that the Uzbek delegation included some university teachers, students, academics and state prize winners.

Uzbek writer and poet Muqaddas Mamarasulova she contributed a short story to A Journey to the Heart.

“My story sheds light on the feelings and emotions of schoolboys and girls. I am super impressed by this event as Egyptian and Uzbek writers share their experience. It is amazing and we will stay connected after the event,” she said.

Another Uzbek writer and translator Firngiz said she is working on translations of Uzbek literature into English and French.

“Now, I am mastering the Arabic language. It is precious for me. This event will be memorable,” she added.

Firngiz also said that Egyptian literature plays a vital role in the cultural scene.

“We consider Egypt as the cradle of ancient civilisation. Literature in Egypt has reached a high level. Definitely, literature can bring people from different cultures closer,” she said.

The translator went on to say that meeting great poets and writers is important.

“Egyptian poets recite their poems in Arabic language . Though I do not fully understand Arabic language, I felt the poems in my heart. Poetry knows no language barriers. It depends on feelings.”