FEMALE CHARACTERS IN UZBEK LITERATURE: HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY INTERPRETATIONS

This article explores the representation of female characters in Uzbek literature, tracing their evolution from classical epics to contemporary narratives. Through a comparative literary analysis, it examines how women have been portrayed as symbols of virtue, sacrifice, love, and resilience in traditional texts, and how modern literature increasingly portrays them as independent, conflicted, and socially aware individuals. The study highlights shifts in gender perception, cultural values, and literary priorities, revealing how the image of women in Uzbek literature mirrors broader societal transformations. The article also investigates the influence of cultural norms, historical events, and feminist discourse on the artistic interpretation of female identities.