“Welcome to the Great Silk Road”

Welcome to the Great Silk Road
Connecting people of East and West
A history of challenges and hardships
Patiently borne by its people

This road is a symbol of friendship and peace
This road is the fruit of culture and trade
Let’s open the pages of history together
With the love and faith of this land in our hearts

(Translated and edited by Zulya Rajabova)

There is an interesting story behind the inspiration for this beautiful poem, “Welcome to the Great Silk Road”. The poet is Zoolfiya Rajabova, and she is actually a seamstress who writes poetry as a hobby. Ah, but the beginnings of her talent as a poet can be traced to her childhood.

Before Zoolfiya Rajabova was born, her mother enjoyed reading the splendid poetry of the famous Uzbek poetess who was also named Zoolfiya. This poetess wrote about the beauty of life and springtime. She also wrote about the roles of women as mothers, as teachers, and as individuals.

As a tribute to Zoolfiya the poetess, Zoolfiya Rajabova’s mother gave her daughter the poet’s first name. This tribute inspired the young Zoolfiya to write poetry at an early age. Needless to say, whether she was at school or at home, this young lady always seemed to win every poetry contest she entered.

The young Zoolfiya also had another hobby while she was growing up. She made the most beautiful traditional dresses for all the women and girls in her family. She used the same creative spirit and eye for beauty to sew her dresses that she also used to create her poetry.

Once she graduated from school, Zoolfiya worked for several years in sales. Her passion for beauty was too great, however, and she returned to her needle and thread. Today, Zoolfiya uses these talents to sew intricately designed costumes, as well as Uzbek mattresses and pillows for brides.

Zoolfiya Rajabova is truly a poet both with words and with a needle and thread.

(Text edited by Joe Pizzo, Centenary College, NJ )