INSPIRATION FROM THE ARAB HERITAGE IN THE LITERATURE OF ALISHER NAVOI
Abstract
There is no doubt that the literary and creative imagination of Alisher Navoi stemmed from his Uzbek identity, with its customs, traditions, values, and other components of Uzbek culture that give his works their distinctive character. However, it is equally undeniable that the Arab heritage—with its values, stories, heroism, and spirituality—enriched Uzbek culture and became an integral part of its fabric and identity. Therefore, Alisher Navoi’s interaction with the Arab legacy cannot be ignored or overlooked. Yet, this aspect remains underrepresented in studies and research concerning Alisher Navoi in particular, and Uzbek literature in general.
References
1. The titles of Alisher Navoi’s works and books stand as clear evidence of his love for and admiration of the Arabic language.
2. Sab‘at Abhur (“The Seven Seas”) is a hidden gem that confirms Alisher Navoi’s knowledge of and appreciation for Arabic. It also corrects the common misconception that Navoi wrote exclusively in Turkish and Persian. Hence, the book holds great documentary, linguistic, and scholarly value, deserving careful study, critical editing, and publication.
3. The story of Layla and Majnun serves as the best example of Alisher Navoi’s inspiration from the Arabic literary heritage. The direct influence of this story is evident in his work Layla and Majnun, while its indirect influence appears in his Farhad and Shirin.
4. Alisher Navoi drew inspiration from the verses of the Holy Qur’an and the noble Hadith in many of his writings.
References
• Abdullah Abdulrahman Al-Ghuwail (2016). “A Comparative Reading of the French Orientalist André Miquel’s Study of Layla and Majnun and Tristan,” North-South Journal, Issue 7, June.
• Alisher Navoi (1943). Layla and Majnun, Tarbes Lebkina, Tashkent.
• Dallal Abbas, The Story of Majnun Layla in Arabic and Persian Literatures, available at: https://ebook.univeyes.com/101002
• Mohamed Abdel-Latif Haridi (1987). Turkish Islamic Literature, Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, Saudi Arabia.
• Mohamed Bekadi (2019). “The Impact of Employing Human Models in the Communication between Arabic Literature and World Literatures,” Issues in Language and Literature Journal, Vol. 8, No. 1.
• Shah Musarov (2004). Islamic Uzbek Literature, Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, Saudi Arabia, 1st ed.
• Victor Germonsele (2000). Alisher Navoi and the Question of Renaissance in Eastern Literatures, trans. Ghassan Murtada, rev. Adnan Jamous, Foreign Literatures Journal (Quarterly published by the Arab Writers’ Union), Issue 101–102, Winter–Spring 2000, Year 25.
