By: Mukhammadieva Sevinch Zaripovna
Worth Noting:
- Aleksandr Faynberg authored around 15 poetry books, and his collections were published in Tashkent, Moscow, and Saint Petersburg. His screenplays inspired several films produced by O’zbekfilm, such as Mening Akam (“My Brother”), Jazirama Oftob Tagida (“Under the Scorching Sun”), Qandahorda Toblanganlar (“Forged in Kandahar”), and Issiq Quyosh Ostidagi Uy (“House Under the Hot Sun”). The Tojikfilm studio adapted his screenplay for the movie Jinoyatchi va Oqlovchilar (“Criminal and Defenders”). Furthermore, he contributed to about 20 animated films.
- Beyond poetry and screenwriting, Faynberg was a skilled translator. He introduced Russian-speaking readers to many Uzbek poets, a legacy preserved in the translation collection Oqqushlar Galasi (“A Flock of Swans”).
Literature is the most beautiful reflection of human thought and soul. It allows us to understand the past, analyze the present, and contemplate the future. The study of literature is not only about mastering the art of words but also about gaining insight into society, history, and culture. Through literary exploration, we broaden our worldview and develop creative thinking. Every literary work is a witness to its era, and every writer is a guiding light illuminating the fate of their people and humanity.
The verses that spring from poets’ hearts live on forever. Aleksandr Faynberg is one such creator, a poet who built a strong bridge between Uzbek and Russian literature. His parents, Arkadiy Lvovich Faynberg and Anastasiya Aleksandrovna, moved from Novosibirsk to Tashkent in 1937 in search of a new life. On November 2, 1939, Aleksandr Faynberg Arkadevich, later to be honored as the People’s Poet of Uzbekistan, was born. After completing seven years of schooling, he studied at the Tashkent Topography Technical School. Following his military service in Tajikistan, he continued his education in the part-time journalism program at Tashkent University (now the National University of Uzbekistan).
Later, he worked for a student newspaper. Despite his Russian origins, he spent most of his life in Tashkent. In 1961, he married Inna Glebovna Koval. Initially, he became a member of the Uzbekistan Writers’ Union and later served as an advisor. His poetry is imbued with deep love for Uzbekistan, and his works hold a special place in the history of Uzbek literature. His poems, including Yangi Dunyo (“New World”), Yoshlik (“Youth”), and Smena, were published in Yangi Volga magazine and various foreign periodicals, including those in the USA, Canada, and Israel.
Aleksandr Faynberg authored around 15 poetry books, and his collections were published in Tashkent, Moscow, and Saint Petersburg. His screenplays inspired several films produced by O’zbekfilm, such as Mening Akam (“My Brother”), Jazirama Oftob Tagida (“Under the Scorching Sun”), Qandahorda Toblanganlar (“Forged in Kandahar”), and Issiq Quyosh Ostidagi Uy (“House Under the Hot Sun”). The Tojikfilm studio adapted his screenplay for the movie Jinoyatchi va Oqlovchilar (“Criminal and Defenders”). Furthermore, he contributed to about 20 animated films.
Beyond poetry and screenwriting, Faynberg was a skilled translator. He introduced Russian-speaking readers to many Uzbek poets, a legacy preserved in the translation collection Oqqushlar Galasi (“A Flock of Swans”). His translations include the ghazals of Alisher Navoi, Erkin Vohidov’s Ruhlar Isyoni (“Revolt of Spirits”), and the poetry of Abdulla Oripov, Usmon Azim, Omon Matchon, Sirojiddin Sayyid, Azim Suyun, and other renowned poets. Thanks to his efforts, Uzbek literary gems reached European audiences.
His original works include poetry collections such as Etyud (“Etude”), Soniya (“A Second”), She’rlar (“Poems”), Olis Ko‘priklar (“Distant Bridges”), Ijobat (“Response”), Qisqa To‘lqin (“Short Wave”), Yoyma Tor (“Expanding String”), and Erkin Sonetlar (“Free Sonnets”). In his poetry, he explored themes of unity among nations, national ideals, and the prosperity of different peoples. His translated poetry reached Uzbek readers through the collection Chig’ir (“Millstone”).
Faynberg’s contributions to literature and culture earned him several prestigious honors. In 1999, he was named an Honored Cultural Worker of Uzbekistan. In 2004, he was awarded the title of People’s Poet of Uzbekistan, and in 2008, he received the Pushkin Medal.
In 1999, on the 20th anniversary of the tragic accident involving the Paxtakor football team, a film titled Osmondagi Stadion (“Stadium in the Sky”) was produced based on his screenplay.
Aleksandr Faynberg’s poetry reflects themes of spirituality, peace, harmony among nations, and hospitality, while also revisiting his childhood and youth. He is esteemed by literary scholars and the people of Uzbekistan for his patriotism, and his works are held in high regard.
Faynberg was a poet whose heart was woven with poetry. Through the magic of words, he touched the human soul and strengthened the bonds of friendship between nations. His poems are infused with love for the homeland, a deep appreciation for one’s motherland, humanity, peace, and kindness. He was a literary bridge between cultures.
In conclusion, Faynberg’s creative legacy teaches us that literature is not just an art of words but the voice of the soul—a powerful force that unites humanity. As long as his poetry and ideas live on, he will remain immortal in the hearts of his readers.
Xinhua Media