5
Saida Zunnunova
Textbook: pp. 22–24
GoalGet to know Saida Zunnunova’s life and work.
New words
poetess · shoiradastan, long narrative poem · dostoncollection · to‘plamsteadfastness · matonat
Explanation
Saida Zunnunova was born in Andijon on 15 February 1926, and her first poem “Salom senga” was printed in 1945. She studied at the university in Tashkent and worked in magazines, newspapers, a publishing house and the Writers’ Union. Her poetry books include “Gullar vodiysi”, “Qizlarjon” and “Nilufar”; in the dastan “Surat bilan suhbat” a mother who lost her husband in the war sinks into thought after her son’s wedding. She was the wife of the writer Said Ahmad and stood by him loyally when he was falsely accused. The poetess died on 20 March 1977, aged 51.
Worked examples
Example: “Nilufar” is the title of a poetry collection; “Surat bilan suhbat” is the title of a dastan.
Example: 1926 to 1977 is 51 years of life; the poetess died at the height of her creativity.
Class activity
Say in your own words the main themes of Zunnunova’s work (mother, family, homeland).
Practice
1
When and where was Saida Zunnunova born?
On 15 February 1926 in Andijon.
2
What was her first poem?
“Salom senga” (1945).
3
What is “Surat bilan suhbat”: a dastan or a collection?
A dastan.
4
What is her relation to Said Ahmad?
She was Said Ahmad’s wife and a loyal support to him in hard days.