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Literature Night: A Look at the Art of Translation and the skills of a Master Translator
March 05 , 2025
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At Nordic University, a special “Literature Night” was held featuring Ibrohim G‘afurov—a renowned writer, exceptional translator, literary critic, recipient of the Order of Friendship, and Hero of Uzbekistan—alongside Rahmon Qo‘chqor, a distinguished literary scholar, recipient of the “Shuhrat” Medal, and the “Excellence in Public Education” titleholder.
Literature uplifts the soul, sharpens taste, and enlightens the mind. This traditional literary event, dedicated to the discussion of world-renowned masterpieces, focused on a deep analysis of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment.
The event, attended by students from the Journalism and Music Education faculties, was opened by Rector Sherzod Mustafakulov, who highlighted the creative journey of skilled translator Ibrohim G‘afurov and the author of the "Hayrat" show
Rahmon Qo‘chqor, as well as their significant contributions to literature and academia. He also spoke about Crime and Punishment, one of the most influential and widely analyzed works in world literature, and its unforgettable protagonist.
During the event, Ibrohim G‘afurov provided students with profound insights into the art of translation, its challenges, and the psychological and character intricacies reflected in Dostoevsky’s works.
“Journalism and literature are deeply connected. Discussing Dostoevsky’s works allows us to gain a deeper spiritual understanding of what literature truly is. My passion for literature ignited in childhood, and I believe that if a love for books is nurtured early, it lasts a lifetime, regardless of circumstances. Dostoevsky’s works introduce a fascinating new artistic dimension. When I realized that translation has the power to refine minds, influence morality, and unite people around significant issues, I developed a deep interest in this craft.
Engaging with world literature has transformed my life’s purpose—choosing and translating books that enrich the human spirit, expand knowledge, and promote wisdom, etiquette, and beauty. Dostoevsky’s works, in particular, lack redundancy; their sharp and beautifully structured narratives feel as familiar as our own literature. A translation must be so artistically perfect that the reader becomes fully immersed, experiencing no hesitation or doubt. The most noble and universal emotions must be conveyed as they are. Even as I re-read my own translation of Crime and Punishment before today’s event, I felt a profound sense of excitement and wonder…”
— Ibrohim G’afurov
At the event, Rahmon Qo‘chqor also shared a comprehensive analysis of Crime and Punishment, discussing the artistic brilliance of the novel, the phenomenon of Dostoevsky, and the translator’s unique mastery in capturing its essence. He emphasized that such translations enhance literary literacy and require deep reflection to truly comprehend. Describing Crime and Punishment, he noted that “it is not just the text, but an entire era that has been translated.” He also expressed appreciation for the significance of this literary gathering.
Students gained insight into the inspiration and challenges behind translation, explored hidden truths within the novel, and discovered new analytical perspectives.
The event also featured student reflections on Crime and Punishment, as well as a musical interlude by the “Nordic Taronasi” ensemble, performing classical pieces.
To conclude the gathering, the guests were honored for their participation, and the evening ended on a high note.
As part of the event, the “Yangi asr avlodi” Publishing House hosted a special exhibition of Ibrohim G‘afurov’s translations, including Dostoevsky’s works and many other newly published books.
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Uzbekistan’s Economy Maintains Strong Growth Momentum
Ensuring macroeconomic stability, mitigating external and internal risks, accelerating sectoral development, and enhancing investment activity have become central pillars of the state’s economic policy framework.
📰 A recent article published in the May 2 issue of Xalq so‘zi presents a comprehensive analytical perspective on these developments.
The publication addresses several critical questions shaping the current economic agenda:
To what extent are ongoing economic reforms delivering tangible results?
How are investment inflows and export growth being sustained?
Which sectors are acting as key drivers of economic expansion?
Most importantly, how sustainable is the current growth trajectory?
The analysis reveals that behind the headline figures lies a process of deep structural transformation, characterized by innovative policy approaches and increasing adaptability to global economic challenges. In particular, the dynamics within industry, services, and the investment climate stand out as especially noteworthy.
At the same time, the article provides a balanced assessment by outlining existing challenges, structural constraints, and priority areas for future policy action. For readers interested in understanding both the current state and forward-looking trends of Uzbekistan’s economy, this piece offers valuable and evidence-based insights.
✍️ Author: Munis Abdullayev, Head of Department at the International Nordic University.
Federation – Nordic – Inclusive School Partnership: “Every Young Person Has Potential”
Within the framework of priority tasks outlined by the President in the field of sports, a chess and checkers tournament was organized with the participation of the Chess Federation of Uzbekistan, students of the 77th specialized boarding school, and university undergraduates.
In contemporary education policy, inclusivity has become an essential principle. In this regard, the tournament served not only as a competitive platform but also as a meaningful mechanism to foster intellectual development, encourage social engagement, and practically implement the idea that “every young person has potential.”
The event was attended by representatives of the Chess Federation of Uzbekistan as well as international grandmasters, who engaged in open dialogue with participants. This created a unique opportunity for young attendees to gain direct insights from high-level professionals, transforming the event into both a competition and a valuable learning experience.
Additionally, a presentation of chess-related literature was held, facilitating knowledge exchange. A curated selection of top-quality books was presented as gifts to participants.
🏆 Winners of the Chess Tournament (University Students):
🥇 Zafar Zoitjonov
🥈 Farangiz Abdumuminova
🥉 Aziz Azimov
🔲 Winners in Checkers (School Students):
🥇 Shukrullokhon Salomov
🥈 Diyorbek Joniqulov
🥉 Oybek Rahimqulov
Nordic University remains committed to nurturing intellectually capable generations, developing future leaders, and ensuring equitable access to quality education through consistent and forward-looking initiatives.
A New Paradigm in Education Policy: Artificial Intelligence and Language Competencies
The forum provided an in-depth scholarly discussion of the key priorities of contemporary education policy, including digitalization, innovative pedagogy, and the integration of artificial intelligence.
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From an education policy perspective, three major directions were placed at the center of discussion:
— the development of individualized learning trajectories through digital transformation and adaptive learning platforms;
— the enhancement of translation quality through automated systems based on advanced linguistic models;
— the automation of semantic analysis and interpretation processes through intelligent linguistics.
These directions clearly illustrate the transition from the traditional model of “knowledge transmission” to a more advanced paradigm of “knowledge management and production” within the education system.
Within the framework of the conference, particular attention was given to innovative pedagogical approaches based on artificial intelligence, the conceptual foundations for integrating AI technologies into education, the digital analysis of literary texts, and the linguistic as well as functional capacities of AI in translation studies. These areas have significant practical implications for improving the quality of education, modernizing teaching methodologies, and optimizing translation processes.
The conference was held at an international level, bringing together professors, researchers, field specialists, and talented students from both foreign countries and national higher education institutions. The event fostered an active exchange of advanced ideas and contributed to strengthening academic collaboration.
Participant Giuseppe Chiaramonte shared his impressions, emphasizing that the proper integration and responsible use of artificial intelligence in education, along with effectively guiding students, constitute one of the most crucial responsibilities of modern educators. Comparing the experiences of Central Asian countries, he particularly highlighted Uzbekistan’s openness to innovation, its support for new ideas, and the favorable environment for their practical implementation.
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His invaluable legacy — Temur tuzuklari — has, for centuries, served as a school of statecraft and human values.
With the aim of fostering a deeper understanding of this remarkable heritage and interpreting it through a contemporary lens, an essay competition was organized among students.
As participants explored the theme “The Temur’s Code: A School of Justice and Governance,” they not only revisited history but also sought answers to pressing questions of the present day.
This competition became a distinctive platform for nurturing critical thinking, analytical insight, and self-awareness among young people, while inspiring them to draw lessons from the past in shaping a conscious and responsible future.