"After August, everything will improve..." - a farmer who gained fame posthumously.

The year 1992 marked the early years of independence when the statehood was not yet fully established. Economic ties between the former Soviet republics were severed, and the country's economy was in crisis, leading many enterprises to cease operations. Stores were left empty, people found themselves without jobs or money, and against the backdrop of high inflation, prices soared rapidly.

During this challenging period, a BBC journalist interviewed Ismail-ota Mirzamatov from Shahimardan, asking him about life in the village. The simple farmer, reflecting on the rapid rise in prices, sincerely recalled how the president (Islam Karimov) had promised on television that "after August, everything would get better." He expressed his eagerness for that August to arrive.

After the interview, Ismail-ota lived for another 15 years, passing away on December 2, 2007, at the age of 77. A month prior, his wife Maksuda-aya, aged 86, had also passed away. They left behind eight children — four sons and four daughters.

"Father lived in anticipation of August"

"Father's words, spoken 33 years ago, are still relevant and continue to circulate on social media. He always told us, 'If you work, there will be food to eat,' and taught us the value of hard work. He made us, his sons, work diligently. But it bore fruit: we lack for nothing, thanks to his farming efforts that enabled him to support all eight children.

"Father lived his entire life waiting for that August. He died in 2007 at the age of 77 from kidney failure. Unfortunately, he never got to see the famous interview conducted by the BBC. Father was an incredibly simple, kind-hearted, and trusting man. He devoted his entire life to agriculture. In his family, he was the only son.

Those very words of father: 'After August, everything will get better,' still pop up on social media. We are very happy about this. It feels as though father is still with us, living nearby. Thanks to this well-known phrase, people are still curious about our family, coming to visit and talk with us. We are certainly proud of this.

I remember when we planted potatoes. Father always led the process. First, we would surrender a portion of the plan, and the rest would be ours. By selling the potatoes, we provided for the family.

Recently, I returned from Russia, where I worked, and celebrated two weddings — my daughter got married, and my son found a bride. As the second son, I often spent time with my father. Wherever he went, he always took me along.

My older brother and younger brother are currently working in Russia. I worked at a school and have since retired. One of our brothers works as a security guard.

When I come from our village of Shahimardan to the city, customs officers at the border sometimes smile and ask, 'Are you the son of that farmer?'. It's amazing how a person can become famous even after death," says one of Ismail-ota's sons, Gayrat Mirzamatov.

It was Mamaraсул-ака who brought BBC correspondents to our home…

"In 1992, our acquaintance from Yazavan, Mamaraсул-ака, brought BBC journalists to our home. They interviewed my father. At that time, I was in the seventh or eighth grade. Unfortunately, father didn’t get to see his recording on air," recalls Gayrat.

Father left us 18 years ago, but his video still circulates online. I am proud of him. He was such a good man that even after his death, people continue to remember him. Every time I see a video of him online, I feel joy. He often told us about that interview. Just recently, a little over a month ago, our mother, Maksuda-aya, also passed away," recalls Rasuljon Mirzamatov.

A phrase that is 33 years old

"Father's words, spoken 33 years ago, are still relevant. They continue to resonate: 'After August, September, everything will get better' — this video is still being shared on phones. People even come to our home to honor his memory."

"All these houses were built by father with his own hands. Now they remain as a memory of him. Every time I look at them, I remember him.

Father was a remarkable person. Until the end of his days, he lived in anticipation of that August. He always said, 'After August, with God's help, everything will get better.'

We still use the axe that belonged to him. This axe, along with his clothing — robe, hat, and belt — is now kept as a cherished memory.

I currently work in Russia and only return to Uzbekistan once a year. When I come back home, the first thing I do is visit his grave. After that, I feel a sense of relief. Father was kind-hearted, sincere, and very trusting. May Allah grant him peace, may his place be in paradise, and may his soul rest in peace," says Ismail-ota’s youngest son, Aslidin Mirzamatov.

Even after all these years, Ismail-ota's belongings — his robe, cap, and belt are carefully preserved like precious relics. The houses he built, as well as the barn from which he used to haul manure, still stand in their places, and his sons chop wood with the very axe their father once used.

Sarvar Ziyoев, Kun.uz
Editing: Sardor Mamirov