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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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Teachers’ Study Tour: Learning New Ideas for Uzbekistan from Sweden’s Education System
At the beginning of the visit, the delegation was warmly welcomed by Principal Laura Erdtman and her team at Fågelsångens School. During the meeting, participants learned about the school’s pedagogical innovations and development practices, educational processes, and modern teaching methods. They also toured the classrooms and observed the learning environment created for students.
During the visit to the Salem Library, the delegation familiarized themselves with the services provided to students, the book collection, and the library’s experience in promoting reading among children.
At the Centrum för flerspråkighet (Center for Multilingualism), they studied Sweden’s education system and its practices in supporting multilingualism.
Uzbek teachers also shared their own educational experiences and innovations, actively engaging in discussions and Q&A sessions. They learned about the harmony between theory and practice in Swedish education, teacher collaboration, inclusion, sustainable development, and the emphasis on developing independent analytical skills.
The visit served to strengthen bilateral cooperation, promote professional development through international experience, and lay the groundwork for future joint projects. Sweden’s educational experience offers valuable inspiration for Uzbekistan’s schools in areas such as innovative teaching approaches, lesson design, multilingual education, environmental awareness, creative thinking, and student development. As one of the initiatives of the “New Uzbekistan” project, such educational exchanges and opportunities create a foundation for nurturing the younger generation as leaders and key contributors to society.
As a gesture of gratitude, the Uzbek delegation presented children’s books in the Uzbek language to the Salem Library and the Mother Tongue Center. They also shared information about Uzbek culture and gifted samples of traditional fabrics and fruits from the sunny land of Uzbekistan.
Nordikning eng katta boyligisiz, aziz ustozlar!
Rektorimiz ustozlarning fidokorona mehnati, ilmiy salohiyati va qalb qo‘ri bilan qilayotgan mehnatlarini yuksak qadrlab, ularga yanada yorug‘ istiqbol yo‘lida kuch-g‘ayrat va omad tiladi.
Ilmiy-amaliy faoliyatda yutuqlarga erishgan, yoshlar bilan samarali ishlagan, targ‘ibot va tashabbuslarda faol bo‘lgan ustozlar alohida taqdirlandilar!
Jamoa a’zolariga sovg‘alar ulashildi, musiqiy lahzalar va samimiy suhbatlar yanada ko‘tarinki ruh bag‘ishladi.
Bayramona kayfiyat esa fotolarda aks etdi.
Bayramingiz muborak aziz ustozlar!
Nordik rektori - sharafli mukofot sohibi!
Shu jumladan, Xalqaro Nordik universiteti rektori, iqtisodiyot fanlari doktori, professor Sherzod Mustafakulov oliy taʼlimdagi yuksak kasbiy mahorati, fidokorona mehnatlari va soha taraqqiyotiga qo‘shayotgan munosib hissasi uchun “Oliy taʼlim aʼlochisi” ko‘krak nishoni bilan taqdirlandi.
Sharafli mukofot muborak, ustoz!
A New Step Toward Improving the Quality of Education
During the discussions, presentations of franchise and modern educational platforms were held, and opportunities for their integration into the national education system in cooperation with Nordic University were discussed.
In addition, agreements were reached to implement joint projects in school and preschool education programs within the framework of the meeting.