Thematic Uniqueness of Uzbek Ghazals of The Second Half of The 20th Century

Abstract

The ghazal, a classical poetic form, holds a vital position in the literary traditions of many cultures, especially in expressing themes of love, mysticism, and social values. In Uzbekistan, ghazals evolved during the second half of the 20th century, reflecting not only romantic sentiments but also ideological and patriotic narratives shaped by the socio- political context of the Soviet era. Despite the existing scholarship on traditional ghazals, limited attention has been paid to the thematic transitions and symbolic richness of Uzbek ghazals during this specific historical period. This article aims to analyze the thematic uniqueness of Uzbek ghazals in the second half of the 20th century by exploring their  structure, poetic devices, and symbolic representations. The study finds that while romantic themes persisted, ghazals increasingly incorporated ethical-educational, socio-political, and patriotic content. Poets infused their work with metaphors of labor, ideological duty, and subtle mystical allegory. A distinctive feature identified is the coexistence of romantic and ideological motifs within the same literary form, where even political verses subtly retain lyrical depth and artistic integrity. The analysis of seldom-discussed rindona and Sufi symbolism in Soviet-era ghazals also adds a new interpretive layer. This work underscores the adaptability of the ghazal form in maintaining cultural and artistic relevance under shifting ideological regimes, offering a framework for future research on literary resilience and poetic transformation under political influence.