P rominent t ajik f igures of the

Iraj Bashiri

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

130

Javharzoda, Abdullo

Tajik author and social critic Abdullo Javharzoda, also referred to as

Suhaili, was born on October 6, 1900, into a scholarly family in Uro-

teppa. Little is known about his early education. During the early years

of Soviet rule in the region, he served his community as a teacher. Later

on, he continued his education, in absentia, at the Dushanbe Pedagogi-

cal Institute. Then, between 1925 and 1957, he served various State

publications. He joined the CPSU in 1949.

The themes of Javharzoda's verses are diverse. Some deal with the

beauty of the Soviet nation, a beauty that was taking shape right before

his eyes. He depicts people's reaction to the new life, as well as the

pleasure that they drew from their experience. Another theme reveals

the drawbacks of life under the traditional Islamic system. In this re-

gard, outdated customs and superstitions are highlighted and con-

demned. Still another theme focuses on the Basmachi movement and its

impact on Soviet society.

Javharzoda's first collection of poems, Taronahoi Zafar (Songs of

Victory) appeared in 1933. Kambaghal (Poor) and Fathnoma (Victory

Song) followed in 1935, and Guldasta (Minaret) appeared in 1939. His

other contributions include Gulshani Afrukhta (Flaming Rose Garden,

Stalinabad, 1959) and Devoni Suhaili (Suhaili's Collected Poems,

Dushanbe, 1986).

Javharzoda joined the Union of Writers of the Soviet Union in 1935.

He was decorated with a number of medals. He died in Dushanbe on

July 11, 1964.