Pages from my memory

Bahorning ilk zarrin nurlari, yangi nafas va haroratga to‘la tongi bilan XX asr Markaziy Osiyo she’riyatining eng zabardast ayol vakili – O‘zbekiston xalq shoiri, davlat va jamiyat arbobi Zulfiya Isroilovaning tavallud kunini nishonlaymiz. Ayollarni madh etgan, ularning farovon buguni va istiqbolli ertasi uchun qalam tebratgan shoirani yod etish, hamda uning serqirra ijodini yana bir bor tilga olish maqsadida, uning evarasi, haqiqiy ijodkor ayol – Anna Latkin bilan suhbatlashdik: 

Фото предоставлено Анной Латкин

ELLE: Many descendants of prominent public, cultural, and artistic figures often live abroad. As far as I know, you reside in the United States. If it’s not a secret, what do you do professionally? Have you inherited your grandparents’ poetic talent?

I am a Creative Director and Entrepreneur, developing projects in film, business, and media across both Uzbekistan and the United States.

My work frequently involves negotiating with people from different countries with diverse cultural and social experiences. This requires a deep sensitivity to language and the ability to find the right words. I feel the power of words, but I wouldn’t call it poetic mastery – true mastery comes with years of practice. Like any talent, it only flourishes when consciously nurtured.

Zulfiya once wrote: “The death of my husband made me a poet. If he were alive, I might have been like any other woman – focused on my children and home, and I might have stopped writing. But I wouldn’t wish my fate upon any woman.”

I was fortunate to grow up in a family where art and culture were an integral part of our education. My brother and I were taught that preserving the purity of spirit is a responsibility, out of respect for our great ancestors. My mother always said, “You must always remember who your ancestors are.” This set a high standard for us, one we always aspired to meet.

I never saw my talents as a direct continuation of my great-grandmother’s, but I have always admired her dedication, discipline, and love for words.

ELLE: I think our readers will find this very interesting. What is your real name?

My real name is Anna Latkin – Latkin is my husband’s last name. In the U.S., middle names are used instead of patronymics. However, my name has an interesting history.

My father was born Rustam Amanovich Alimdzhanov, the first grandson of Zulfiya and Hamid Alimdzhan. When his parents divorced – a major stigma at the time – my grandmother and grandfather made the difficult decision to change his name and surname to protect him from societal prejudice. He was given his mother’s last name and became Alexander Amanovich Belozerov.

At that time, divorce was considered shameful. But my father’s mother was a strong woman. Zulfiya, with her wisdom and kindness, stood by her side, defended her and became her ally. They remained close and cared deeply about my father’s future. I see this as a true example of female solidarity, something we can all learn from.

So, legally, on my father’s side, my name is Anna Rustamovna Alimdzhanova.

ELLE: What is your last memory of your great-grandmother?

My great-grandmother passed away when I was nine years old. In her final year, she was unwell, and I visited her at a sanatorium. It was a beautiful place with a park, and we took a walk together. She carried herself with elegance - her posture was upright, her hair neatly done, and her walk was soft yet graceful, almost like a ballerina.

She asked me about my interests and listened attentively but spoke very little. Her silence carried deep meaning and wisdom—it was filled with grace and intellect. She never wasted words. Being around her, I instinctively straightened my back and spoke more thoughtfully. She told me: “It is very important that you respect your grandmother and mother.” These words have stayed with me forever.

ELLE: When watching documentaries, I never noticed your great-grandmother wearing makeup. Did she never use it? What do you think was the secret to her beauty?

Inner harmony and dignity are the best beauty secrets – better than any makeup, wouldn’t you agree?

ELLE: Do you have children? Do you tell them about your great-grandmother?

Yes, I have a 15-year-old daughter. She loves reading, writing essays, and short stories. She dreams of becoming a philosopher or working in media.

We read Hamid and Zulfiya’s poetry before bedtime, discuss the meaning of the verses, and analyze them together. I also share Zulfiya’s life story with her because knowing our roots helps us understand ourselves better. As a mother, I see it as my duty to pass on this legacy.

ELLE: Do you have any personal belongings inherited from Zulfiyakhanum?

Yes, I have a book that Zulfiya personally signed for her grandson. I would be happy to share a picture of it.

ELLE: What is your favorite poem by your great-grandmother?

Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I turn to her poetry. My favorites are “Reflections”, “Confession”, and “I Was Born Here.” These poems express deep love for one's homeland, home, and the gentle yet powerful nature of a woman’s soul. They evoke strong emotions in me and help me feel connected to my roots.

ELLE: How does your family contribute to preserving Zulfiyakhanum’s legacy?

In 2023, filmmaker Ruslan Saliev released a documentary about Zulfiya and Hamid Alimdzhan, featuring the memories of the Alimdzhanov family. For me, it is essential to support and preserve this legacy. I am also working on reconnecting with relatives because together, we are stronger.

ELLE: How do you remember your great-grandmother on this significant date?

We start the morning with her poetry at breakfast, and there are always tulips on the table on this day.

ELLE: In what way would you like to be like your great-grandmother?

Zulfiya is an example of a woman who was both strong and gentle. Her deep love for her husband, her sincerity, and her dedication to her principles inspire me. Her poetry is filled with love – for people, for her homeland, for life itself. I feel and share that same love within myself, and I am grateful for it.

ELLE: What kind of women do you think will emerge from reading Zulfiyakhanum’s poetry?

In today’s fast-paced world, it is often difficult for women to preserve love in their hearts – not just for others but for themselves as well. Yet, self-love is the foundation of everything.

Zulfiya’s poetry is filled with love. I encourage everyone to read her verses before bed – you will wake up feeling different in the morning. I hope that every woman who reads her poems feels the power of love within them because that is the gift her words bring.