The image of the warrior woman as a symbol of justice and independence in Uzbek literature

INTRODUCTION. The image of the warrior woman in Uzbek culture and literature is examined as a symbol of justice, courage, independence, and strength of spirit, along with its role in reflecting ancient Turkic traditions of Central Asia. The aim of the research is to examine the image of the warrior woman from cultural-historical, psychological, gender, and social perspectives in Uzbek literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The research material consisted of mythological and epic works, historical sources, and classical and modern Uzbek literature. Special attention is given to the figures of Barchin, Guleyim, Gordafarid, Tomyris, Kaldirgoch and Nodira. Systemic and comparative analysis methods, as well as a historical and cultural approach, were used, which allowed for the identification of the specific nature of the image of the warrior woman in Uzbek literature. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. Uzbek women warriors symbolize images of independence through military feats motivated by love for their homeland or family. An analysis of contemporary Uzbek works that describe the involvement of Eastern women in the struggle for freedom, equality, and self-realization has shown that the archetype of the warrior woman in Uzbek literature is linked to epic heroines who fight for their people, family, and moral ideals. CONCLUSION. The image of the warrior woman in Uzbek culture and literature demonstrates a combination of militancy, the struggle for personal and national independence, with the role of guardian of the lineage and family hearth, revealing new facets of understanding the concepts of “freedom” and “independence”, which is particularly relevant after Uzbekistan gained independence in 1991.