How did Socialist Realism shape Uzbek literature during the Soviet period?

During the Soviet period, Socialist Realism functioned as an officially sanctioned aesthetic that fundamentally constrained and reshaped Uzbek literature. Following the execution of prominent, independent-minded writers like Fitrat, Cholp’an, and Qadiri during the Great Purge of the late 1930s, the literary landscape was dominated by authors who served the Soviet regime.1

The impact of Socialist Realism on Uzbek literature included:

• Censorship and Falsification: Writers were compelled to adopt the techniques of Socialist Realism to ensure their work was published. This often resulted in the falsification of reality, particularly regarding the hardships faced by farmers in rural life, as authors were expected to maintain an optimistic view of the socialist struggle.21
• Ideological Conformity: Literature was used as a tool for propaganda, requiring writers to portray the building of a classless society and feature "positive heroes" who persevered against obstacles.2
• Suppression of National Identity: By enforcing these rigid standards, the Soviet regime suppressed the national consciousness and patriotic themes that had characterized the works of earlier Uzbek intellectuals.1

Ultimately, this period produced many dutiful but unimaginative works, and the habits established by these restrictive practices proved difficult for Uzbek writers to abandon even after independence.31