Author- Hamid Ismailov (Photo Courtesy of the Author)
As the crossroads of Eurasia, the Central Asian region has long held a historically unique position as a trade route responsible for the exchange and spread of diverse traditions and ideas. Such a favorable geographic orientation has made Central Asia a cultural land-bridge connecting east and west. Overtime this area grew into a vibrant cultural melting pot seen in its architecture, religion, and literary traditions. The writings of Uzbek author, Hamid Ismailov presents a vivid picture of the Central Asian experience, which captures the diverse mix of influences that have shaped the region.
Born in a lush dell of the Fergana Valley, Ismailov grew up in a traditional Uzbek household during the height of the Soviet Union. His writings range from the visual poetry of “Post Faustum” to the critically acclaimed folkloric tale of, “The Railway”. Published in Uzbek, Russian, Turkish and English, his works continue to reach a global audience.
Works and Influences
Hamid’s own personal and professional experiences tells an all too common story of persecution in search of truth. Working for a Moscow based literary publication at a perilous time for journalists, Ismailov authored several publications critical of the Uzbek government. Authorities viewed him and his work as having “unacceptable democratic tendencies.”Under the threat of eminent arrest, Hamid and his family were forced to flee,traveling from Russia to France. By 1994 as a political refugee in Germany, Ismailov relocated to London to head the newly established BBC Central Asia Service.
