« "THE HEAVEN OF MY FONDNESS"», M.Bafoev

Opera in two acts and five scenes.
Composer: M. Bafoev.
Libretto: G.Jabbarova

Directed by: Honored Worker of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan Khaydarali Kasymov;
Musical Director and Conductor: People's Artist of Uzbekistan Suleiman Shadmanov;
Artistic director: Honored Worker of Culture Zubaidullo Batyrov.

 Running time: 2 hours and 20 minutes.

The first premiere on the stage of the SABT named after A.Navoi took place in 1998.
The last production on the stage of the SABT named after A.Navoi took place in 2008.
The opera is based on a true historical story, which tells us about the personal life and scientific work of one of the great scientists of the East - Akhmad al-Fergani. His life as in a scales - on one scale his brilliant scientific discoveries and extraordinary abilities, and on the other - doomed to misfortune love for the young beauty Safina.

Summary

Scene 1

Young Akhmad from Fergana goes to Baghdad to study enlightenment. Emaciated from a long, difficult journey, he stops at the intersection of the Maghreb and Mashreq. For a moment he is visited by the idea to give up the desire to learn great science. In the soul of his struggle with himself, he hesitates in the decision to return to his homeland.

The stranger, watching the swept young man, enters into a conversation with him. A young man shares his doubts. The stranger advises Akhmad to continue on his way and makes it clear that everything is not easy, and the difficulties on the road are just a small part of the tests that will have to pass on the path to knowledge. Akhmad finds out in the stranger the great Al-Khorezmi, worships him and decides to follow his advice.

Scene 2  

The square is full of people. Here celebrate the great holy Muslim holiday of Ramadan. The people give thanks to God for the good of life. Scientists and intellectuals have appeared. Al-Khorezmi introduces Akhmad to the scientists. Among them stays bin Yusuf, who became famous for his incitement.
Youth festival goes on. Competitions, riddles, and games continue among the girls and young men. At this time, King Mamun appears. He congratulates all the people with the holiday. Learning about a new student of Al-Khorezmi Akhmad, he invites him to take an exam in secular and religious sciences before the people in the square. The people are waiting for his answers. Akhmad Al-Fergani responds to all difficult questions by striking the public with his intellect. However, bin Yusuf does not like his success.

The fun continues. Among the young girls, Akhmad notices the beautiful Safina - daughter of Tars and falls in love with her at first sight. Akhmad sings about a beautiful girl who notices the attention of Al-Ferghana and is approaching him. Their views meet and they are no longer able to hide the feeling that arose between them.

 Scene 3

Several years have passed. Akhmad Al-Fergani, led by the mentor Al-Khorezmi, achieved many successes in Baghdad in geography and astronomy. At midnight, immersed in his thoughts, he seems to share secrets with the stars. Different planets and stars: Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Venus, Saturn, the Moon seemed to have visited him in the guise of angels and told about humanity and existence.

But Safina's sudden appearance returns Akhmad from the world of dreams to a reality filled with problems and worries. His beloved, a representative of the Christian religion, explains that her father wants Akhmad to abandon Islam and accept Christianity, otherwise there will be no wedding. Al-Fergani in suffering assures his beloved that he can not do so. The cry of suffering embraces loving hearts and souls. Akhmad is full of turmoil. 

Scene 4

The palace of King Mamun gathers scholars and intellectuals. The king announces an urgent letter from the Sultan of Egypt in which the Sultan appeals for help, to resist the possible flooding of the Nile River. The king, considering the achievements of Al-Fergani in the sciences, wants to entrust him this difficult task.

Bin Yusuf long does not like Akhmad's achievements and taking advantage of the moment he accuses him of professing another religion. The gathered are surprised and ask about this Akhmad, who confirms this. Mamun is angry and now certainly wants to send Akhmad to where he is unlikely to cope with the task.

Al-Fergani is left alone with his thoughts, he is full of excitement about his native land and his mother. Mentally, he talks with great personalities. Once again the beautiful Safina flashes before his eyes.

Scene 5

The banks of the Nile river. The people led by Al-Fergani are discussing the design of protective devices against floods and tides. The river begins to rage, the goddess of the river appears in the waves. To curb the river, Al-Fergani uses all his strength and knowledge. At last they built a dam. The people rejoice and congratulate Al-Fergani on the victory. In this joyful moment he sees his favorite Safina among the people. Their feelings light up with renewed vigor.
The appearance of the opponents of Al-Fergani, led by bin Yousuf, leads to violent clash. One of Yusuf's supporters is going to hit Al-Fergani with a knife, but at the last moment Safina closes his beloved. Irreversible thing is happened...

All the opponents back down and disappear. Al-Fergani is left alone with his grief, in suffering from the evil intent of fate.