NOVOSIBIRSK, February 8. /Dunyo IA/. A ceremonial event dedicated to the 585th anniversary of the founder of the Uzbek literary language and great humanist Alisher Navoi, as well as the 543rd birthday of Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, was held at the State Public Scientific-Technological Library of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SPSTL SB RAS), reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The event was attended by senior researchers of the library, university professors and students from Novosibirsk, Uzbek scholars specializing in legacies of Navoi and Babur, as well as Uzbek students and compatriots.

Irina Lizunova, Director of the SPSTL SB RAS and Tourism Brand Ambassador of Uzbekistan in Russia, emphasized not only the significance of the event for the scientific and cultural life of Novosibirsk but also the importance of Alisher Navoi’s literary legacy in world literature and poetry.

She noted that his works have been translated into numerous languages and published in large editions around the world. “We can proudly say that Alisher Navoi’s creative heritage is a spiritual treasure not only of the Uzbek people but of all humanity,” she concluded.

Aslam Akbarov, Consul General of Uzbekistan in Novosibirsk, highlighted Alisher Navoi’s role as a leading figure in Uzbek literature, who revealed the vivid and highly imaginative world of his people.

“He refined the Old Uzbek literary language to classical perfection, using it in poetry, prose, and scientific treatises. Today, the Uzbek language, now a state language, is inseparably linked with the name of the founder of modern Uzbek literature, Alisher Navoi,” he said. “At the same time, Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur entered history not only as a military leader and founder of the Baburid dynasty in India but also as a scholar and poet who left a rich literary and scientific legacy, including works on Islamic jurisprudence.”

Candidate of Philological Sciences and poet Kavsar Turdiyeva, in a video address, emphasized that Alisher Navoi wrote poetry, prose, and scholarly treatises that comprehensively reflect the spiritual life of 15th-century Central Asia.

“He placed great importance on the human mind, calling it a divine gift surpassing all jewels”, she noted. “In his poetry, Alisher Navoi praised qualities such as modesty, kindness, love for one’s homeland and people, and paid special attention to child upbringing, considering the child a source of joy and happiness in the family. Central to his philosophy was love for the native language, which he celebrated without boundaries.”

Professor Abdumajid Madraimov also held discussion about Babur’s artistic world in detail, mentioning that he authored original lyrical works (ghazals, rubaiyat), treatises on Islamic law (Mubayin), poetics (Aruz Risolasi), music, military affairs, and even created a special alphabet called Khat-i Baburi.

“His most significant work, however, is the historical prose masterpiece “Baburnama”, which remains unparalleled among Eastern works from the early 16th century”, he stated. “His poetry often expressed love for the homeland and longing for his native land, calling on people to uphold kindness, justice, and high moral values.

Doctor of History and Editor-in- Chief of the scientific and historical journal “Siberian Archive” Vladislav Kokoulin highlighted Alisher Navoi’s role as a historian who uniquely combined history and humanism, vividly describing court life and the socio-economic development of the region. According to him, one of his finest lyrical works is Treasury of Thoughts, comprising four cycles: Wonders of Childhood, Rarities of Youth, Marvels of Middle Age, and Final Advice of Old Age, containing about 2,500 ghazals. Special attention is given to Alisher Navoi’s encyclopedic knowledge of world history, exemplified in The Wall of Alexander, narrating the life of Alexander the Great.

All participants and guests of the event emphasized the enduring significance of  Navoi and Babur’s works for world civilization and culture, noting their continued relevance for humanity. The audience gave enthusiastic applause for ghazals by Alisher Navoi, performed by Diyorbek Kholmuminov, a student of the Economics Faculty at Novosibirsk State University.