INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
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THE IMPORTANCE OF HISTORICAL THOUGHT IN UNDERSTANDING
NATIONAL IDENTITY
Sh. Suyunov
Associate Professor of
Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages
Annotation:
This article provides a comparative study of philosophical views on the role of
historical thinking in understanding national identity. It also analyzes the emphasis on historical
thinking in a dangerous situation in the context of globalization and the further development of
national identity in young people as one of the most correct paradigms.
Keywords:
historical thinking, historical memory, historical knowledge, understanding of
identity, national pride, national idea, national spirit, spirituality, paradigm.
Аннотация:
В статье представлено сравнительное исследование философских взглядов
на роль исторического мышления в понимании национальной идентичности. Он также
был проанализирован как одна из наиболее подходящих парадигм для акцентирования
исторического мышления в контексте глобализации и, посредством этого, для
дальнейшего развития национальной идентичности среди молодежи.
Ключевые слова:
историческое мышление, историческая память, историческое знание,
самосознание, национальная гордость, национальная идея, национальный дух,
духовность, парадигма.
Introduction.
A new era is dawning in the history of our country – development, the Third
Renaissance, great changes and modernization processes. Our people have gone through a
difficult and glorious path of building a democratic legal state and a free civil society. Over the
years of independence, our country has done a great deal to revive our national spirituality and
develop it in accordance with the demands of the time. Democratic reforms are deepening. The
construction of a new society depends primarily on the youth, their spiritual world,
consciousness, thinking, and professional skills. Therefore, historical thinking is of great
importance in shaping the national idea, in instilling high spiritual qualities in the younger
generation, in awakening national consciousness and sound thinking, in educating them in the
spirit of ideological struggle for the fate of the Motherland, the people, and independence, in
educating them as highly spiritual individuals, and in the spiritual uplift of our people.
A wide path has been opened for the study of the centuries-old rich historical, scientific,
cultural, and religious values and heritage of the Uzbek people, and for their use as a common
and invaluable asset. In the reforms being carried out in Uzbekistan, this process is being
implemented in the following areas: "Spiritual and cultural life includes such areas as education,
cultural heritage, historical experience, religious, moral, and educational views, lifestyle,
colorful relationships, science, folk holidays, festivals, performances, and customs, art, and
literature. These spiritual and cultural values actually measure the unique ethnic characteristics
of a people, a nation, and its contribution to global civilization."
Literature analysis and methodology.
It can be noted that the issues of the significance of
historical thinking in understanding national identity were first studied by European scholars R.
Collingwood, M. Blok, K. Jaspers, A. Toynbee, R. Aron, and a number of other specialists. In
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 07,2025
Journal:
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our country, the role of historical thinking in understanding national identity has also been
studied by N. Juraev, N. Shermuhammadieva, N. Mukhammadiev, and M. Melikova.
Discussion.
Today, the attitude toward historical science in Uzbekistan has risen to the level of
state policy. It is becoming increasingly necessary to study the history of our country
objectively and scientifically, with a new mindset and based on primary sources in its analysis.
This places serious responsibilities on historians.Speaking on this issue, President Shavkat
Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of educating the youth in the spirit of patriotism and
national pride. For this, high-quality teaching of history and the expansion of scientific research
in this field are crucial. In particular, he said:“National history must be created with a national
spirit. Otherwise, it will not have an educational effect. We must teach our youth to learn from
history, to draw conclusions, and equip them with historical science and historical thinking.”As
is known, based on this vision, officials were tasked with developing a concept for the
development of historical science in Uzbekistan until the year 2030.The study, promotion, and
wide use of Uzbekistan’s history, the cultural heritage of our ancestors, and their great
contribution to the development of world civilization — especially its integration into the fields
of education and upbringing — are of great importance in raising the younger generation as
well-rounded individuals.After all, history is the foundation of spirituality, the reality of the past.
It elevates national pride and honor, awakens feelings of patriotism, and historical memory is a
powerful force that helps a person realize their identity, strengthen their will, and broaden their
worldview.
As is known, today there is intense struggle and competition in the world, and the clash of
interests is intensifying. The processes of globalization, along with unprecedented new
opportunities for humanity, also bring unexpected challenges. Threats and dangers to national
identity and spiritual values are increasing. Various methods are being skillfully used to instill
in people’s consciousness—especially among the youth—a mindset focused only on oneself,
disregard for work and family, and a consumerist mentality.The threats of terrorism, extremism,
transnational and cybercrime, human trafficking, and drug trafficking are on the rise. In some
regions, instability is deliberately created and feelings of discontent are being fueled.In such a
dangerous situation, one of the most effective paradigms is to emphasize historical thinking,
thereby further developing national identity among young people.
"
Self-awareness begins, first and foremost, with the study of the past, with the need to know
history," writes N. Juraev. "Indeed, every person who understands themselves seeks to know
the family they were born into, who their ancestors were, what their ancestors did, how they
lived. They live with pride in their virtues and heritage." Historical thinking is the foundation of
self-awareness. A person who possesses certain knowledge, a worldview, and an independent
approach to events and phenomena strives to find their place in life, in society, and in their
environment
Results.
The formation of national identity and historical worldview often spontaneously
emerges as a natural aspiration and movement driven by needs. However, since this activity is
not organized consciously and systematically, it frequently becomes ineffective or takes on a
false and destructive character as a result of external ideological interference. For example,
spiritual and psychological phenomena such as historical nihilism, skepticism toward ancestral
heritage, subordination to the historical leadership of other nations, and historical
marginalization are conditions commonly observed when national identity and historical
worldview are formed spontaneously. This must be prevented at all costs.National identity is a
complex process involving several factors: national ideas, national spiritual values, science,
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 07,2025
Journal:
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literature and art, mass media, political parties, and other social structures. This, in turn,
contributes to the development and transpersonalization of historical consciousness and
worldview. Therefore, when analyzing national identity, it is necessary to consider separately
the factors and tools that contribute to the development of historical consciousness and
worldview.It should also be noted that certain shortcomings are evident in the formation of the
national idea. As explained by Doctor of Philosophy, Professor N. Shermukhamedova:"Much
positive work has been done in the formation of the national idea during the years of
independence. However, unfortunately, this work is not always effective. That is why it is
necessary to study more deeply the specific and current interests and concerns of our people."
The role of national spiritual values in the development of the historical worldview must be
especially emphasized. Spiritual values serve as a vital factor in understanding national identity
and defining a historical worldview. The further strengthening of the influence of national
values on the development of national identity and historical worldview, in turn, requires the
advancement of national culture and the arts.
In this regard, the Presidential Decree of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. PP-4038 of November
28, 2018, "On the approval of the concept of further development of national culture in the
Republic of Uzbekistan," and the Presidential Decree No. PF-6000 of May 26, 2020, "On
measures to further enhance the role and influence of culture and art in the life of society," have
become concrete goals.In particular, this resolution outlines the following as the main
objectives of the concept:"Preserving our historical and cultural heritage and making broad use
of it in educating the younger generation; instilling national and universal values in our youth,
preserving national cultural traditions, and supporting folk creativity based on these values."The
emphasis on restoring and developing our historically preserved national values — as mandated
in these regulatory documents and elevated to the level of state policy — undoubtedly
contributes to fostering national identity and developing the historical worldview of the
population, especially the youth.In our country, the development of national spirituality, the
national language and culture, self-awareness, national feelings, pride, patriotism, and the
clarification of the content and essence of spiritual security play a vital role in raising a
harmoniously developed generation.Modern national spirituality and the values of the Uzbek
people are a continuation of the spiritual legacy of the past and include friendship, hospitality,
humanity, compassion, moral depth, enterprise, virtue, generosity, politeness, self-control in
society, imagination, sensitivity, openness, cheerfulness, goodwill, courage, sincerity, kindness,
gentleness, initiative, love for the homeland and the people, honesty, piety, truthfulness, honor,
respectfulness, planning, cleanliness, patience, moderation, self-sufficiency, respect for parents
and elders, diligence, respect for the past, faith, national pride, understanding of independence,
patriotism, nationalism, and other national, spiritual, and moral virtues.This clearly shows that
the Uzbek people possess beautiful human virtues and unique traditions recognized worldwide.
Conclusion
In conclusion, needs and interests serve as key driving forces in the formation of national
identity and historical worldview. The need to understand history and the self-development
arising from it plays a central role. In the process of shaping national identity, the definition of a
historical worldview can be effectively achieved through national ideas and spiritual values.
While the national idea serves as a source of confidence and belief for the historical worldview,
national spiritual values act as a motivating force.
Bibliography:
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 07,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 384
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