THE EVOLUTION OF UZBEK LANGUAGE, LITERATURE, AND CULTURE: THE ENDURING LEGACY OF ALI SHER NAVAI

Аннотация

This article explores the transformative role of Ali Sher Navai (1441–1501) in the evolution of the Uzbek language, literature, and culture during the Timurid era. Prior to Navai, the Turkic language of Chagatai, the precursor to modern Uzbek, was not considered a prestigious or developed medium for classical literary works. Navoyi’s groundbreaking efforts and monumental output elevated Chagatai to the level of Persian, the dominant literary language of the time. Through a detailed examination of his major works, including the five-poem epic «Khamsa» and the linguistic treatise «Muhakamat al-Lughatayn,» this article demonstrates how Navoyi not only enriched the Turkic vocabulary and poetic forms but also established a literary tradition that continues to shape Uzbek identity. His influence transcended his lifetime, fostering a cultural renaissance and solidifying his position as the founder of Uzbek literature.