Why do I think Hamid Ismailov is a Global Writer? — Norman Y. Balston
Some claim Uzbek writer Hamid Ismailov represents Central Asian literature in the west, but many others think he is a global writer. Here, in this article, I’ll explain which is the right answer and why?
Hamid Ismailov is a world-renowned journalist, poet, and translator, and the author of such novels as The Dead Lake, The Railway, Devils’ Dance, and many others. I have read his books and listened to his interviews, had followed his BBC World Service Writer In residence blogs for many years, and had spoken to people who had been very close to him.
His stories have universal themes, styles, and voices. In his narratives, he addresses global issues such as racism, dictatorship, injustice, environmental, and religious issues. I think, without having a profound life experience, one can’t create great prose. So, what did Ismailov learn in his life?
Hamid Ismailov has seen a lot. He lived under socialist, atheism, and dictatorship. He served in the Soviet military, and he knows all official languages of Central Asia plus Russian, English, Persian, and Turkish. Where can anyone find a person who knows so much about human culture, spirituality, literature, and of course, the economic system?
Novelists wouldn’t be able to write fiction with an emotional power if they hadn’t experienced such emotions themselves in real life. On the one hand, Ismailov has undergone expulsions, persecutions, and injustice. On the other hand, during his childhood, his matriarchal ancestors told him stories and inspired him to craft tales and poems. And later, he was blessed to live with a loving and supportive wife, Rosa, and have two wonderful children.
Although it was a lifelong effort, he became a universal writer, and now he can teach and train emerging novelists of any ethnic origin. The styles he has used can shape world literature for many years going forward.
Norman Y. Balston
МАҚОЛАНИ ДЎСТЛАР БИЛАН БАҲАМЛАШИНГ