On the evening of April 13, in Urgench, former Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, journalist, writer, poet, and playwright Erkin Samandar passed away at the age of 90.
Born in Khiva on March 22, 1935, Erkin Samandar graduated from the Faculty of Uzbek Language and Literature at the Khorezm Pedagogical Institute in 1957. Throughout his career, he held various roles such as editor at the Khorezm Regional Broadcasting Committee and the Communist Party Committee of Uzbekistan, as well as director of programs and chief editor in different media outlets.
Erkin Samandar published his first poetry book "Amu Zhilolari" in 1966, followed by numerous collections like "Osmon Tula Nur", "Dunyoning Yoshligi", "Vаfo Degan Gavhar", "Sevgi Fasllari", and many others, totaling around 20 collections.
He was also known for his songwriting, composing over a hundred songs and several daastans. Additionally, Samandar wrote historical plays such as "Javohir", "Ajodlar Kilichi", "Bashorat", "Jaloliddin Manguberdi", "Arabmukhammad Bakhdirkhon", "Pahlavon Mahmud Piryovvaliy", "Suyanch", and "Ming Otilar Diyori".
In 1989, Erkin Samandar was honored with the title of "Merited Journalist of Uzbekistan", and in 2019, he was awarded the "Dustlik" Order. His literary contributions have left a lasting impact on Uzbek literature and culture, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of writers and poets.
