Erkin Vohidov and “O‘zbegim”

The qasida is a poetic genre that traditionally praises rulers or great persons. In the qasida “O‘zbegim” Erkin Vohidov changes this tradition and praises, instead of a shah, the whole people. The poet lists the long history of the Uzbek people: the age of Afrosiyob, the Orkhon inscriptions, great scholars such as Beruniy, Xorazmiy and Forobiy, resistance to invaders (Rome, Genghis Khan, Batu), Muqanna and the sarbadors, Ulug‘bek’s scientific achievements, the work of Navoiy, Bobur, Mashrab, Nodira, Furqat and Muqimiy, and also cotton-growing labour. The aim of the qasida is to awaken in the people pride in their history and a feeling of spiritual dignity. Note, however, that the book states some historical claims in a popular spirit; for example, the idea that Beruniy scientifically predicted America should be understood cautiously, as a reference to his great services to geography.