P rominent t ajik f igures of the

Prominent Tajik Figures of the Twentieth Century

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

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portrays the efforts of Khovar Khola, a progressive factory worker who

works in harmony with other workers in resolving problems. In contrast

to this, Ikromi wrote Dushman (Enemy), which was brought to the stage

in 1937. It portrays the struggle of the newly-organized workers against

masked bandits. After the World War II, Ikromi wrote a number of sto-

ries all of which were published between 1945 and 1964.

In 1958,  Ikromi published his novel entitled Man Gunohkoram (I

Am Guilty). This novel is a major achievement for him both in the

choice of subject and in the psychological analyses pertaining to various

characters. In 1960, he wrote his first historical novel, dealing with the

Revolution. Called Tori 'Ankabut (The Spider's Web), it examines the

role of the Ulamo (clergy) and the youth in the Revolution. His

Dukhtari Otash (Daughter of Fire) deals with the same time period (i.e.,

end of 19th, beginning of 20th centuries). In this novel, Ikromi exam-

ines a number of issues including the status of women and girls, family,

ethics, the life of the bais and the poor, the introduction of Russian

capitalism into Bukhara, the progression of capitalism in the region, the

effects of the Russian democratic-bourgeois revolution, the rise of

jadidism, the creation of the socialist party, the gradual awakening of

the lower classes, and activities of the Peoples Revolution of Bukhara,

all of which led to the flight of the Amir and his entourage.

In 1969, a complementary volume to Dukhtari Otash, entitled

Davozdah Darvozai Bukhoro (The Twelve Gates of Bukhara) was pub-

lished. It deals with the important social, political, and historical events

during the first days of the Revolution, until Soviet rule is established.

A number of Ikromi's works have been produced as motion pictures

or have appeared on the Tajik stage. Some of his major works have

been translated into various Soviet-block languages.

Ikromi was the recipient of the Red Banner of Labor and the Badge

of Honor awards. He also garnered the Friendship Among Peoples and

the Medal for Distinguished Service.

Ikromi died in 1993.