P rominent t ajik f igures of the

Khushmuhammadzoda, Ali

Takik author and publicist Ali Khushmuhammadzoda, also referred

to as Ali Khush, was born in 1912 in the Gharm region of southern Taji-

kistan to a family of poor farmers. He received his early education in the

schools of Qarotegin in the Kuhistan. Later, he joined the local Nusrata-

bad (now city of Novobod) Revolutionary Committee as a secretary.

In 1928, Ali Khush attended the Samarqand Pedagogical Institute for

two years. In 1930, upon the recommendation of the Central Committee

of the Tajikistan Komsomol, Khush entered journalism as a literary staff

member and director of public relations of Tojikistoni Surkh.

His first story, entitled "Dar Palatai Raqami 2" ("In Cabinet Number

2"), was published in Tojikistoni Surkh in 1932. His later works, appear-

ing in pamphlet form, include "Shestopalov" ("Shestapalov," 1934),

"Shurishi Usmon" ("The Usman Uprising," 1934), and "Javononi Dalir"

("The Brave Youth," 1937).

Khush also contributed pieces with social overtones to the journals of

the 1930s. "Talabhoi Qat'ii Imruza" ("Today's Definite Requirements"),

"Mulohizahoi Mo dar Jibhai Adabiyoti Proletori" ("Our Concerns Re-

garding the Literary Front for the Proletariat"), "Maso'ili Ma'orifi Zanon

dar Tojikiston" ("The Problems Facing Education for Women in Tajiki-

stan"), "Niqobi Rui Millatchian Midarad" ("The Mask on the Face of the

Nationalists Is Torn"), and "Bisiartar Hushiyori Inqulobi" ("More

Revolutionary Consciousness") are among his most well known publi-

cist works.

Another field to which Ali Khush contributed is the less studied field

of folklore. His Dar Baghali Kuhho (On the Side of the Mountains), a

collection of short stories dealing with the subject, was published by

Irfon Publications in 1962.

Ali Khush joined the Union of Writers of the Soviet Union in 1934.

He was imprisoned on slander charges in 1937 and died in prison in

1942.