Said Ahmad’s Skills in Satirical Storytelling

This article examines the distinctive mastery of Said Ahmad in employing humor and satire within his short prose. Recognized as one of the foremost figures in modern Uzbek literature, Ahmad demonstrates a remarkable ability to intertwine comic elements with social critique, thereby engaging readers on both intellectual and emotional levels. Through techniques such as exaggeration, irony, situational comedy, and vivid characterizations, his stories not only entertain but also provide a subtle commentary on societal shortcomings, human behavior, and ethical dilemmas. The analysis focuses on selected works, including Ilgor Tabelchi, Mo‘tti, and Headache, highlighting how laughter functions as a multi-layered device: stylistic, moral, and pedagogical. Ahmad’s narratives are distinguished by their deep national consciousness, integration of folk humor, and lyrical sensibility, which collectively create a unique form of satirical storytelling rooted in Uzbek cultural traditions. Furthermore, his humor transcends mere amusement, acting as a reflective tool that encourages readers to consider personal virtues, social responsibilities, and communal values. By exploring these literary mechanisms, the study demonstrates that Ahmad’s works occupy a critical position in Uzbek literature, bridging aesthetic pleasure and ethical instruction. This research contributes to a greater understanding of the role of satire in shaping literary thought, cultural identity, and moral imagination within Central Asian literary contexts, suggesting that Ahmad’s approach to humor remains relevant for contemporary literary analysis and pedagogical applications.