Lobor RUSTAMOVA
By: Jahongir NOMOZOV
Mt. Kenya Times readers, today we have an interview with the renowned Uzbek writer, member of the Union of Writers of Uzbekistan, recipient of the 25th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s Independence medal, holder of the “Honored Woman” breast insignia, and author of more than ten prose works – Lobor RUSTAMOVA.
— When did your interest in writing begin, and what factors motivated you on this path?
— I always enjoyed memorizing poems and monologues during class and performing them on stage. They stirred a mysterious and wondrous force in my heart. Over time, the events and characters in the works I read and memorized, even the poets and writers themselves, seemed like unreachable peaks.
I studied at the 30th general education school in the Yangikurgon district. My teacher of the Uzbek language and literature, the poet Qozokjon Mahmudov, played a key role in awakening my interest in literature. I learned the first steps in poetry and literature from him. I actively participated in the literature club at our school, where we wrote poems passionately.
Even during my university years, my creative curiosity continued. I wrote essays with enthusiasm, and I heard compliments from my professors. I received much encouragement in my creative direction from my teacher, Odiljon Nosirov. Especially, my teacher Nurdin Bobokhuzhayev provided valuable advice on creativity.
Today, I continue to spread my creative wings with the guidance of my teacher Qodirjon Nosirov. Each lesson and piece of advice from them serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for my heart.
My father taught chemistry, and he was my first teacher. He taught me to “not mark the book, don’t crease the pages, read and respect it.”
All four daughters in our family followed in our father’s footsteps and chose teaching as a profession. I graduated from school with a gold medal and from university with an honors diploma. I combined teaching with creative work. I worked in the media. I learned much from the esteemed journalists while working for the district newspaper “Mehnat Bayrog’i” (now “Yangikurgon Hayoti”).
The recognition from my close ones, friends, and mentors has always inspired me. My father bought me a typewriter for a single word of mine. When my works began to be published in district, regional, and national newspapers, I felt like I was soaring in the sky with joy. In those days, the postal service was efficient. When I sent my handwritten works in envelopes, they arrived on time.
— What topics do you usually cover in your works?
— I mostly write about human values such as compassion, kindness, and nobility. I also focus on topics such as religion, ethics, becoming worthy of the great title of “human,” and appreciating the value of life and time. Through my writing, I see it as my duty to convey these spiritual concepts to people’s minds. Writing on such high topics inspires the heart and gives meaning to life.
— Which stage of the writing process is most important to you?
— The most important part is the birth of the idea and figuring out how to express it, how to develop the plot, and how to bring the story to a satisfying conclusion. In this process, it is essential to carefully plan and prepare for each step. That’s why I dedicate a lot of time to reflecting on the idea, making sure it is expressed in the best way. Every creative work is the result of the intellectual and emotional effort that strives for perfection.
— What are your thoughts on the mentor-mentee relationship in literature?
— I am fortunate to have had great mentors in school, university, and throughout my career. Many have passed on, but I remember them fondly. I often reach out to my mentors to check on them. The relationship between a mentor and a mentee should not be based on material gain. A mentor should be sincere, supportive when necessary, and capable of pointing out flaws and guiding the mentee in the right direction.
I also feel happy when some of my students refer to me as their mentor. However, there are also times when students seek help but later distance themselves. Thus, the relationship should be based on genuine respect and sincerity, where the mentor helps the mentee’s creative development and corrects their mistakes.
— What is the role of literature in society, in your opinion?
— The words of People’s Writer of Uzbekistan, the wordsmith Abdulloh Qahhor, come to mind: “Literature is stronger than atoms…” Indeed, the place of literature in society is incomparable. For a person to achieve humanity, development, and spirituality, literature and books are essential. Without them, the world would be filled with “mankurts” (people who have lost their identity). Thanks to literature, the world is beautiful again. Literature uplifts people’s spirits and directs them toward true values. Therefore, literature is not only the power of language but also the power of the heart.
— How has the publication of your works in many foreign journals influenced your creativity?
— Everyone faces both good and bad days in life. Continuous sorrows, separations, and anxieties can burden the soul. But my love for writing, my pen in hand, helped me survive through the tough situations in my life. My family and children are the meaning and happiness of my life, just as my creativity always drives me forward, calling me to persist and move forward with a greater energy.
I once admired the works of world poets and writers. Now, seeing my own works published in foreign journals while living in a remote village, I feel that my dreams have come true. This motivates me to keep searching and creating more. Every challenge and obstacle along the way has brought my creativity to new heights, and I am moving forward with even greater strength.
— What are the greatest difficulties you have encountered in your creative journey, and how did you overcome them?
— The greatest difficulty is the issue of time, opportunity, and circumstances. In fact, the difficulties of daily life and personal responsibilities often distance women from the creative process. However, when there is enough time and favorable conditions, the feelings and thoughts emerging from a woman’s heart are naturally expressed and beautifully written.
Furthermore, a woman’s writing and creativity not only allow her to express herself but also enable her to share her love, sorrows, dreams, and hopes with the reader.
— How do you evaluate today’s literary processes, and what needs to be done for its development?
— I believe that our current works are making a significant contribution to world literature and achieving tremendous progress. However, the key to spreading our literature worldwide is through translation. Therefore, we need to expand the number of translators and improve their skills. This will not only strengthen the reputation of Uzbek literature but also enhance the prestige of the Uzbek language globally. The opportunity to introduce our literature to the world lies in the hands of young translators who are fluent in foreign languages. The position and significance of Uzbek literature on the global stage depend on them.
— How should the balance between creative and personal life be maintained?
— The conflict between personal life and writing, where one writes about humanity yet fails to embody it in their own life, is the greatest mistake and pain for a writer. A writer’s true creative life must align with their writing and reflect the genuine feelings, dreams, and desires of their heart. In any situation, a writer should be humble, sincere, and possess good virtues. These virtues must be clearly reflected in their writing and give true meaning to their creativity.
If a writer lacks humanity and fairness, their works will not be able to promote the values of true humanity. Therefore, in creative life, a person should not lose their identity. Their writing should be an expression of their heart, revealing their inner world and virtues to the world. The correct balance between a writer’s life and creativity is essential for preserving true humanity and decency.
— Thank you for the interesting and meaningful conversation!
Interview by Jahongir NOMOZOV, Uzbekistan correspondent of Mt. Kenya Times, editorial board member.
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