INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 05,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1761
EPISTEMOLOGICAL VIEWS OF AHMAD ZAKI VALIDI IN THE PROCESS OF
HISTORICAL KNOWLEDGE
Muminjon Xujayev
Professor, Alfraganus University
Annotation:
This article focuses on the epistemological views of Ahmad Zaki Validi in the
process of historical knowledge. Validi's approach to history, source criticism, and historical
knowledge is directly linked to fundamental issues in contemporary historiography. His
emphasis on a critical relationship with historical sources and the need to analyze concepts such
as humanity, nation, culture, and civilization from an epistemological perspective presents a
comprehensive approach to understanding history. Validi’s complex methodology that
combines rational and traditional knowledge systems, the meticulous selection and analysis of
sources, and his attempt to analyze historical reality from the perspective of the "national
subject" has practical and theoretical significance in overcoming methodological shortcomings
in Uzbek historiography today. The article also explores how Validi's paradigm can offer a
holistic, national, and intellectual approach to understanding historical processes.
Keywords:
Ahmad Zaki Validi, historical knowledge, epistemology, source criticism, historical
paradigm, historical truth, national history, globalization, postmodernism, East and West,
methodology, intellectual independence.
Abstract:
The understanding of human and societal pasts is shaped by diverse epistemological
paradigms. In this context, Ahmad Zaki Validi, one of the prominent Turkologists of the 20th
century, introduced critical views about the process of historical knowledge. His insights into
historiography, the analysis of sources, and his epistemological approach to the concepts of
nation, culture, and civilization are crucial for understanding contemporary historiography.
Validi's multifaceted approach to history, integrating rational and traditional knowledge
systems, offers an important methodological foundation for addressing modern challenges in
historical research in Uzbekistan.
Introduction
Validi’s epistemological stance represents an advanced intellectual shift, questioning the
ideological approaches of Soviet historiography. His methodology does not merely focus on
historical facts but seeks to understand the process of historical interpretation itself. The aim of
this research is to explore Validi’s epistemological framework in relation to the theory and
practice of historical knowledge and how it can contribute to the current renewal of national
historiography in Uzbekistan.
Validi’s Epistemological Foundations
1.
Critical Approach to Historical Sources
Validi emphasized the importance of critical engagement with historical sources. Rather than
accepting narratives at face value, he advocated for a deeper exploration of the underlying
forces shaping historical interpretations.
2.
Integration of Rational and Traditional Knowledge
A distinctive feature of Validi’s historiography is his integration of rational, scientific
approaches with traditional knowledge systems. This synthesis is important for developing a
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 05,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1762
more comprehensive understanding of history, one that includes both Western and Eastern
epistemological traditions.
3.
National Perspective in Historical Analysis
Validi argued that history should be analyzed from the standpoint of the "national subject," or
the collective identity of a nation. This perspective is key to understanding the unique historical
experience of nations and civilizations.
4.
Subjectivity and Interpretation in Historical Knowledge
Validi recognized that historical knowledge is not objective but is shaped by subjective
interpretations. He highlighted the need for careful analysis of how historical narratives are
constructed and interpreted.
The Relevance of Validi’s Paradigm in Contemporary Historiography
In Uzbekistan’s
post-independence era, there has been a significant effort to revitalize national history and free
it from ideological constraints. However, there remains a gap in the epistemological
foundations of historical knowledge. Validi’s work provides essential tools for addressing these
challenges. By revisiting his approach, contemporary historians can strengthen the
methodological underpinnings of Uzbekistan’s national historiography and integrate global and
national perspectives.
Research Objective and Approach
This dissertation will offer a detailed epistemological analysis of Validi’s historical paradigm,
focusing on his approaches to sources, subjectivity, and interpretation. It will examine how his
ideas can be applied to the modern context of Uzbek historiography, particularly in resolving
current methodological issues and ensuring intellectual independence.
Conclusion
Ahmad Zaki Validi’s contributions to the theory of historical knowledge are vital for the
intellectual development of Uzbek historiography. His work challenges both traditional and
Western paradigms, providing a bridge for integrating global and local historiographical
methods. This research aims to fill existing gaps in the field and contribute to the
methodological strengthening of Uzbekistan’s national history.
This research is an essential step toward advancing the theoretical and practical understanding
of historical knowledge in Uzbekistan. By analyzing Validi’s epistemological contributions, the
study seeks to provide a deeper insight into the national historiographical development and
offer new intellectual perspectives for future research in this field.
Liste des littératures utilisées:
1. Prof. Zeki Velidi Togan. Tarihte Usul. Istanbul: 1985. S.2.
2. Prof. Zeki Vеlidi Togan. Hatiralar ... – Ankara: 1999, §331. S.501.
3. Zeki Velidi. Сonsiderations sur la collaboration scientifique entre l’Orient islamique et
l’Europe // Revue des études islamiques. – Paris. 1935. Cahier. 3. P.249-271.
4. Xojaev M. THE RELIGIOUS-PHILOSOPHICAL LEGACY OF AHMED ZEKI VELIDIY.
The Light of Islam 2019 (4), 122.
5. MI Xujaev. Historical philosophy of Ahmed ZEKIVelidi. Scientific Bulletin of Namangan
State University 1 (12), 126-132.
6. Muminjon Xojaev. The religious-philosophical legacy of Ahmed ZEKI Velidiy. The Light of
Islam. 2019. p. 26.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 05,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 1763
7. Хужаев Муминжон Исохонович. BASHKIR TURKISH STUDIES. EPRA International
Journal of Research & Development Development Monthly Peer Reviewed & Indexed
International Online Journal Volume: 5, Issue:8, August 2020.
8. Muminjon Xujaev. MAHMUDKHUJA BEHBUDIY AS A LEADER OF JADID
REFORMS. The Light of Islam. 2020. 3стр. 39-47.
9. Муминжон Исохонович Хужаев. Некоторые особенности этических взглядов Ахмет-
Заки Валидова. 2015. Сredonew. 2-2. стр.3-3.
10. Хўжаев Мўминжон Исохонович. АҲМАД ЗАКИ ВАЛИДИЙНИНГ ДИНИЙ-
ФАЛСАФИЙ МЕРОСИНИНГ ИЛДИЗЛАРИ. «Интернаука» 2018. Том.33. № 21(33). – С.
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