Hamza was born in Kokand in 1889 into a family of healers. He studied in traditional schools and madrasas before joining the Jadid movement, opening new-method schools in Tashkent, Kokand and Margilan and writing the textbooks for them. He wrote poetry, plays and songs, and is regarded as a founder of modern Uzbek drama and musical theatre; his work argued insistently for education, social justice and the position of women. Named People's Writer of Uzbekistan in 1926, he was killed at Shohimardon in 1929.
Key achievements
Regarded as a founder of modern Uzbek drama and musical theatre
Opened new-method schools in Tashkent, Kokand and Margilan and wrote their textbooks
