P rominent t ajik f igures of the

Prominent Tajik Figures of the Twentieth Century

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portrays the efforts of Khovar Khola, a progressive factory worker who

works in harmony with other workers in resolving problems. In contrast
to this, Ikromi wrote Dushman (Enemy), which was brought to the stage
in 1937. It portrays the struggle of the newly-organized workers against
masked bandits. After the World War II, Ikromi wrote a number of sto-
ries all of which were published between 1945 and 1964.
In 1958, Ikromi published his novel entitled Man Gunohkoram (I
Am Guilty). This novel is a major achievement for him both in the
choice of subject and in the psychological analyses pertaining to various
characters. In 1960, he wrote his first historical novel, dealing with the
Revolution. Called Tori 'Ankabut (The Spider's Web), it examines the
role of the Ulamo (clergy) and the youth in the Revolution. His
Dukhtari Otash (Daughter of Fire) deals with the same time period (i.e.,
end of 19th, beginning of 20th centuries). In this novel, Ikromi exam-
ines a number of issues including the status of women and girls, family,
ethics, the life of the bais and the poor, the introduction of Russian
capitalism into Bukhara, the progression of capitalism in the region, the
effects of the Russian democratic-bourgeois revolution, the rise of
jadidism, the creation of the socialist party, the gradual awakening of
the lower classes, and activities of the Peoples Revolution of Bukhara,
all of which led to the flight of the Amir and his entourage.
In 1969, a complementary volume to Dukhtari Otash, entitled
Davozdah Darvozai Bukhoro (The Twelve Gates of Bukhara) was pub-
lished. It deals with the important social, political, and historical events
during the first days of the Revolution, until Soviet rule is established.
A number of Ikromi's works have been produced as motion pictures
or have appeared on the Tajik stage. Some of his major works have
been translated into various Soviet-block languages.
Ikromi was the recipient of the Red Banner of Labor and the Badge
of Honor awards. He also garnered the Friendship Among Peoples and
the Medal for Distinguished Service.
Ikromi died in 1993.