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EXAMPLE OF RELIGIOUS BAGRIKENGISM IN UZBEKISTAN
Suvonova Nasiba Mardonovna
Senior Lecturer, Department of Social Sciences, Navdpu
Annotation
: This article talks about the main tasks of the agenda, such as the correct
understanding and interpretation of the fundamental nature of the reforms implemented in the
cultural, economic, political and social humanitarian spheres, which are considered to be the most
important factors of sustainable development. There were also comments on the positive solution
of ethnic problems in our society.
Аннотация:
Ушбу мақолада барқарор ривожланишнинг энг устувор омилларидан
ҳисобланмиш маданий, иқтисодий, сиёсий ва ижтимоий гуманитар соҳаларда амалга
оширилаётган ислоҳотларнинг туб моҳиятини тўғри англаш, талқин этиш каби кун
тартибидаги асосий вазифалар хусусида сўз боради. Шунингдек, жамиятимиздаги этник
муаммоларни ижобий ҳал қилиш борасидаги ҳам фикр-мулоҳазалар юритилган.
The term "religious tolerance" generally refers to mutual respect, peace, and stability among
different religions. This type of tolerance signifies maintaining mutual respect, peace, and
harmony among people regardless of their religious beliefs. Thus, interfaith tolerance plays an
important role in preventing conflicts between religions, denominations, and cultures, as well
as in building stable and proper relationships among them.
In our country, representatives of more than 130 nationalities and ethnic groups live together
in harmony like members of a single family. As a result of their coexistence, cooperation, and
solidarity, each of them enriches their spiritual and cultural values, and through mutual
interaction, the lifestyle of our multiethnic people continues to improve.
Furthermore, all necessary conditions have been created to ensure their constitutional rights
and freedoms, legal interests, education, professional training according to their abilities and
interests, and employment opportunities. At the same time, the preservation, development, and
enrichment of the national traditions and values of various ethnic groups remain a constant
focus of our state.
A clear example of this is that general secondary schools provide education in seven
languages—Uzbek, Karakalpak, Russian, Kyrgyz, Turkmen, Kazakh, and Tajik. Additionally,
mass media operate in ten languages spoken by different nationalities residing in Uzbekistan.
For Orthodox believers, newspapers such as Slovo Zhizni, the magazine Vostok Svyshye, as
well as religious sermons and other educational publications, are being published.
Extensive opportunities have been created for all ethnic groups living in our country to study
in their native languages, with equal conditions provided in higher education institutions,
vocational colleges, academic lyceums, and schools. Newspapers and magazines are published
in multiple languages, and television and radio programs are broadcast in different languages,
demonstrating active efforts in this field.
During the years of independence, hundreds of mosques, churches, synagogues, and places of
worship have been built and renovated across the republic. These include the Hazrati Imam
complex in Tashkent, central mosques in various regions, Russian Orthodox churches in
Tashkent, a Buddhist temple, the Armenian Apostolic Church in Samarkand, the Sultan Vais
Baba and Muhammad Norimjoniy shrines in Karakalpakstan, and the Panteleimon church,
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among others.
Moreover, alongside the statues of Amir Temur, Mirzo Ulugbek, Alisher Navoi, Berdakh, and
Ajiniyaz, monuments of Nizami Ganjavi, Shota Rustaveli, Alexander Pushkin, and Taras
Shevchenko adorn our streets and squares, adding to their beauty. All these elements serve as
vivid manifestations of interfaith tolerance and interethnic harmony in our country.
Religious tolerance and interethnic harmony in Uzbekistan have deep historical roots and
strong legal foundations, with a well-established legal framework regulating the relationship
between the secular state and religion.
Article 31 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan states:
"Everyone is guaranteed freedom of conscience. Every individual has the right to profess any
religion or not to profess any religion at all. The imposition of religious beliefs by force is not
allowed."
The mechanism for implementing this article is extensively outlined in the Law on Freedom
of Conscience and Religious Organizations, adopted on May 1, 1998. According to Article 3
of this law, freedom of conscience is a constitutionally guaranteed right of citizens to practice
any religion or not to adhere to any religion at all.
Additionally, Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states:
"Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. This right includes
the freedom to change their religion or belief and the freedom, either alone or in community
with others, in public or private, to manifest their religion or belief in teaching, practice,
worship, and observance."
In support of the idea of interfaith tolerance, the United Nations declared February 1–7, 2011,
as the World Interfaith Harmony Week, promoting religious tolerance and peaceful
coexistence globally.
The First President of Uzbekistan, Islam Abduganievich Karimov, shortly after gaining
independence, stated:
"Today, through religion, purity enters our souls, and, Insha’Allah, righteousness enters our
hearts. Morality, ethics, and enlightenment are once again becoming the essence of our homes
and the character of our people. The role of Islam in this process is immense. In the future, we
will remove all barriers before religion.
They say goodness brings light, while evil brings darkness. The future of Uzbekistan must be
built on the foundation of goodness because only goodness endures. The kindness of people
toward people! The kindness of compatriots toward compatriots! The kindness of fellow
countrymen toward fellow countrymen! This should not only be the motto of Uzbekistan but
also its call, its appeal, and its defining trait.
Honoring a nation that does good, respecting a generation that upholds kindness—this should
become the guiding sun of our way of thinking. This is my dream, my aspiration, my chosen
path, my greatest concern, and the source of my joy and happiness."
In conclusion, the emergence of new ideas and initiatives aimed at strengthening interethnic
and interstate harmony in our country serves to further solidify the fortress of friendship and
unity. As our head of state has acknowledged:
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"Uzbekistan has many riches, but our greatest wealth, our highest value, is the peace
prevailing in our society, the interethnic friendship, and harmony."
One of the key principles of the large-scale reforms carried out in our country is the protection
of human freedom and interests. As President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized:
"It is clear to all of us that we cannot imagine human interests separately from the peace of the
nation, mutual respect in our society, and the atmosphere of kindness and unity. All of these
are our priceless wealth, and protecting them as the apple of our eye is our sacred duty."
From the early years of independence, Uzbekistan developed a stable and unified strategy,
serving as a symbol of solidarity for various ethnic groups residing in the country. This
initiative was also supported by several brotherly nations. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has
stressed that Uzbekistan does not engage in political rivalry with other countries but rather
upholds the ideas of unity and solidarity by strengthening good neighborly relations.
Indeed, as emphasized in the Holy Quran:
"Believers are undoubtedly brothers."
It is the Almighty Himself who has instilled brotherhood among them, and the bond He has
created will never be broken. Strengthening interethnic harmony and cooperation remains one
of the most crucial and priority tasks in the political life of our country. Additionally, a wise
policy is being pursued to positively resolve ethnic issues within our society.
There are no legal restrictions in the legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan regarding the
number of religious organizations operating in the country or the duration of their activities.
The development of noble human qualities inherent in the mentality of the Uzbek people, such
as unity, religious tolerance, and solidarity, has a long historical background. These qualities
date back to the early stages of human civilization.
Central Asia has long been considered the cradle of civilization, attracting artisans, scholars,
jewelers, and merchants from other regions, many of whom eventually settled here. As a
result, the establishment of friendly and harmonious relations among representatives of
different nationalities and ethnic groups has led to the active use of the concept of interethnic
harmony in our society. At the heart of the country's modern development lies a commitment
to Eastern values and traditions, the consistent continuation of democratic reforms, and the
construction of a free and prosperous state based on principles of civilization.
Given the diverse ethnic composition of the population, various religious beliefs naturally
coexist in Uzbekistan. In accordance with the law, public representatives and relevant
organizations ensure the rights and freedoms of citizens who adhere to world and national
religions such as Christianity, Buddhism, Baha'ism, Judaism, and Krishnaism. The state
monitors and protects the rights of these religious communities. Followers of different faiths
have been provided with all the necessary conditions to celebrate their religious holidays and
traditions freely and without any undue pressure.
On the initiative of Uzbekistan’s First President, Islam Karimov, national holidays such as Eid
al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr have been officially celebrated for many years, along with religious
holidays of other faiths, including Passover, Christmas, Purim, and Hanukkah. These
measures serve as a clear example of Uzbekistan's stable policy in promoting tolerance,
interethnic harmony, and religious tolerance as universal human values.
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To support the activities of various religious denominations in Uzbekistan, a Council has been
established under the Committee on Religious Affairs to foster cooperation with different
religious organizations based on the principles of religious tolerance. The council works to
promote and advocate interfaith unity and solidarity. Recognizing the fundamental role of
enlightenment, culture, morality, and ethical values in religious affairs, Uzbekistan continues
to uphold the ideals of religious tolerance, ensuring peace and stability in social life.
In conclusion, it is important to emphasize that Uzbekistan’s growing prestige on the international stage is also
determinedbyitsrespectforthevariousethnicgroupsresidinginthecountryandbyestablishingfriendlyrelationswith
them.PresidentoftheRepublicofUzbekistanShavkatMirziyoyevhasplacedspecialemphasisonthedevelopmentof
thesocio-economicsector.Withinthisprocess,allnecessaryconditionshavebeencreatedtoensurethatrepresentatives
ofdifferentethnicgroupslivinginUzbekistancanfreelyresideandlawfullyengageintheirrespectivefieldsofactivity.
These aspects clearly demonstrate the nation's strong commitment to universal values such as tolerance, religious
harmony,andsolidarity.
References
1.
Mirziyoyev Sh. The Rule of Law and Ensuring Human Interests – A Guarantee of National Development
andPublicWelfare.–Tashkent:Uzbekistan,2017,p.24.
2.
TheHolyQuran.SurahAl-Hujurat,Verse10.
3.
JalaluddinRumi.Majalis-iSab'a–Tashkent:NewCenturyGeneration,2018,1stsession,p.68.
