A Great Singer Who Lives Through The Centuries

By: Rakhimov Iroda

The names of great singers have been passed down from century to century, from language to language, from heart to heart. The pain that comes from the heart inevitably reaches all hearts, stirs souls, awakens the hidden emotions within, and certainly heals them as well… Even the great poet Alisher Navoi composed melodies for five or six of his ghazals, and those melodies are still remembered to this day…

As the famous poet Abdulla Oripov once wrote: “There is no household in the Khorezm region where the sound of songs is not heard. Becoming a respected artist or poet in Uzbekistan is not an easy task because this land has nurtured not just dozens but hundreds of talented individuals in every field. Singing and artistry have always been among the brightest symbols of our spirituality and culture. Artists have been role models for their humanity, culture, and conduct. That is why many historical books written in the past speak of these artists with love and respect. The Khorezm region can rightfully be called a land blessed by God for producing artists. In my opinion, there isn’t a single household in this place without someone who sings. Just remembering the famous and unique dance “Lazgi” is enough to see how universally popular and eternal this music is. There are even legends that say when people asked who the great Komiljon Otaniyozov looked to with hope to continue his legacy, he replied, ‘There is a singer on the other side of this river, and we have high hopes for him.’ And indeed, such a worthy singer emerged — Otajon Khudoyshukurov, who lives on in the hearts of the people, spreading light and love. God granted him not only talent but also immense human qualities”.

Indeed, Otajon Khudoyshukurov, a great singer of Khorezmian art, earned the respect of the people through his talent. He held the honorary title of People’s Artist of Karakalpakstan (1969), Uzbekistan (1977), Tatarstan (1981), and Turkmenistan (1993). Born on April 10, 1944, in To‘rtko‘l district, Khorezm region of the Uzbek SSR, he passed away on December 22, 1994, in Khorezm, Uzbekistan. His artistry and life path earned him a special place in the hearts of the people.

In Khorezm, both the young and the old know Otajon Khudoyshukurov, and they listen to his songs with admiration. He learned to sing from his uncle, the singer Yo‘ldosh Alloshukurov. His other mentors included Komiljon Otaniyozov, Nazir Qori, and J. Bekchonov, among others. Since 1963, he worked as a soloist at the Karakalpak State Philharmonic.

His repertoire included classical songs such as “Feruz I–II,” “Khorezm Segohi”,“Bozurgoni”,“Qoshchinor”, “Guluzorim”, “Kurd Eshvoyi”, “Samarkand Ushshoghi”,“Tashkent Iroghi” and many more. He also performed Khorezmian doston songs, including “Whom Do You Love, O Beloved” from the epic “Najab Oglon”, “Separation” from “Bahrom and Gulandom”, “I am a dervish” from “Avazhon”. His repertoire also featured works by composers such as “Your Eyes”, “My Uzbekistan”, “To Become Your Ra’no”, “I Came with Longing” and many others. In addition, he performed folk songs from Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Karakalpakstan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.

Otajon Khudoyshukurov was also known as a musician (tor player) and a composer of more than 300 songs, including “Your Eyelashes”, “The Only One in the World”, “The Cranes Have Flown”, “My First Love” and many others. He possessed a charming, beautiful, wide-ranging, resonant voice with perfect clarity in all registers. His songs were filled with passion, energy, and profound meaning, leaving a deep mark on the hearts of listeners.

In 1974, he was awarded the prestigious Hamza State Prize of Uzbekistan. Since 1999, a Republican competition for young singers has been held in his name. Streets, parks, and boulevards in Ellikqala and To‘rtko‘l have been named after him. In 2021, Otajon Khudoyshukurov was posthumously awarded the “Order for Selfless Service” as well. Today, there is a museum dedicated to the artist located in his house in To‘rtko‘l district, where visitors can immerse themselves in the spiritual and cultural legacy he left behind. The songs of Otajon Khudoyshukurov illuminate hearts, reaching the deepest corners of the soul. When he sang, it seemed as though even the strings of the instrument wept along with him, expressing sorrow and longing. With his soulful, heart-stirring melodies, Otajon Khudoyshukurov became “The nightingale of the Two Shores” winning the hearts of all. The songs and melodies he left behind are eternal, unforgettable treasures.

Indeed, since the beginning of mankind, there has been the sun — the sun that selflessly shines its rays on everyone, warming hearts, dispelling darkness, and illuminating the world with endless light. Otajon Khudoyshukurov was like that sun — a sun that never sets, never fades. Today, the spiritual heritage he left behind lives in every heart, and his songs remain alive, just as his memory does. May his resting place be illuminated, may his afterlife be prosperous, and may his soul dwell in paradise!!!

Iroda Rakhimova Islombek qizi was born on August 8, 2005, in the city of Khiva, located in the Khorezm region of Uzbekistan. She graduated from School No. 11 in Khiva with a gold medal and was admitted to Urgench State University named after Abu Rayhan Beruni on the basis of a state scholarship. Currently, she is a second-year student at the Faculty of Philology and Arts at the same university. Her poems, short stories, and articles have been published in both national and international journals. She is an active member of the “Mushaira” literary club established at the university and continues her creative work through this platform.