These days Uzbekistan is widely celebrating a memorable date, the 572nd anniversary of the birth of Alisher Navoi, the famous poet, philosopher, humanist and statesman.

Navoi’s legacy is immense and versatile. He wrote about 30 major works: diwans, poems, philosophical and scientific treatises. The great poet wrote in Persian under the pseudonym ‘Fani’ (‘Transitory’), but his major works are signed with the name of Navoi (‘Melodic’). His endeavors gave a powerful impetus for the development and evolution of literary traditions; hence the poet is referred to as the founder of the Uzbek literature.

There are 3,150 works of the legendary poet in the genre of ghazals. His lyrics is particularly noteworthy for his poetic code ‘Treasury of Thoughts’, and the famous ‘Pyateritsa’, a composition of five epic poems: ‘Tumult of the Pious’, ‘Leyli and Majnun’, ‘Farhod and Shirin’, ‘Seven Planets\" and ‘Iskandar’s Wall’.

Nowadays there are Alisher Navoi monuments in many parts of the world, particularly in Tokyo, Moscow, Baku, showing a deep respect for the poet’s memory. His works take a special place among the masterpieces of the world literature.

On the occasion of Alisher Navoi’s birthday literary and musical evenings, spiritual and enlightenment events, art exhibitions and many other memorable actions are held in all regions of the republic. For instance, E’zoz (‘Tribute’) exhibition by the artist Temur Sa’dullaev has opened in the metropolitan National Arts Centre; the musical project Exhibition of Shoshmaqom is held at the Gallery of Fine Arts.

In the morning of February 9 the admirers of the poet’s creativity will traditionally lay flowers at his monument in the National Park, and a day before the Academy of Sciences together with Alisher Navoi Institute of Uzbek Language and Literature and the Union of Writers of Uzbekistan hold the annual scientific conference on the study of the works, life and creativity of the great master of the pen.

As noted by Rahmatulla Barakaev, the scientific secretary of Alisher Navoi Institute of Uzbek Language and Literature, the scientists and Navoi experts are currently working on two projects: publication of a large encyclopedia of the poet, and two dictionaries that should help to reveal the nature of the works of Navoi. Thus, the rich heritage of the great ancestor of the Uzbek people is highly appreciated up until now, and passed on from generation to generation.

‘All people are mortal, but happy is he whose name will be kept in memory.’ (Source: Uzbekistan Today newspaper)