Volume 15 Issue 06, June 2025
Impact factor: 2019: 4.679 2020: 5.015 2021: 5.436, 2022: 5.242, 2023:
6.995, 2024 7.75
http://www.internationaljournal.co.in/index.php/jasass
249
OBSTACLES IN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR OF UZBEKISTAN DURING THE
SECOND WORLD WAR AND MEASURES TAKEN AGAINST THEM
Buronov Olim
Associate Professor at the University of Information Technology and Management
Maxkamova Sevinch Komil kizi
1st-year Master's Student at the University of Information Technology and Management
Keywords:
Second World War, Uzbek SSR, heavy industry, industrial difficulties, mobilization
policy, labor resources, evacuation, raw material shortages, economic policy, war economy,
industrialization.
Abstract:
This article analyzes the challenges that emerged in the industrial sector of the Uzbek
SSR during the Second World War and the measures taken in response. Wartime shortages of
raw materials and labor resources, the need to accommodate evacuated enterprises, disruptions in
transport logistics, and the scarcity of skilled personnel significantly complicated industrial
development. Nevertheless, a range of organizational and economic measures was taken by the
government, which played a crucial role in maintaining industrial stability and supplying
essential products to both the front lines and the national economy. The article explores the
nature, effectiveness, and historical significance of these measures.
On the eve of the Second World War, the industrial sector of the Uzbek SSR was undergoing a
significant stage of development. In particular, at the 8th Congress of the Communist Party of
Uzbekistan held in July 1938, it was decided that the economic and cultural construction works
of the third five-year plan (1938–1942) would be carried out under the leadership of the Party. At
this party congress, Soviet and public organizations were tasked with further developing all
branches of the national economy, with a particular emphasis placed on the importance of
advanced production practices and the workers' movement. In this historical context, the
challenges that emerged in the industrial sector and the measures taken to address them were of
great importance.In March 1939, the 18th Congress of the All-Union Communist Party was held.
At this congress, in order to further strengthen the country's defense capability, it was planned to
disperse major industrial facilities and create reserve facilities in the interior regions
.
In particular, the plan included the construction of several major industrial enterprises in
Uzbekistan, such as oil refining plants in the Fergana, Andijan, and Surkhandarya regions; the
Chirchik chemical fertilizer plant; and the completion of the second phase of the Tashkent textile
complex. It also envisioned the development of new coal mines in the Tashkent region, the
Almalyk copper smelting plant, and the establishment of several new textile and silk-reeling
factories, among others. Overall, it was planned to increase the republic's energy capacity by 3.8
times
.
The working people of the republic, guided by the resolutions of the 8th Congress of the
Communist Party of Uzbekistan and the 18th Congress of the All-Union Communist Party
(Bolsheviks), mobilized all their efforts to successfully implement the planned program for
economic development. In the early years of the third five-year plan, the construction of the
1
Вклад трудящихся Узбекистана в победу в Великой Отечественной войне. Отв. ред. Х.Ш. Иноятов.
Ташкент : “Фан”, 1975. - С.10.
2
Вклад трудящихся Узбекистана в победу в Великой Отечественной войне.
- С.10.
Volume 15 Issue 06, June 2025
Impact factor: 2019: 4.679 2020: 5.015 2021: 5.436, 2022: 5.242, 2023:
6.995, 2024 7.75
http://www.internationaljournal.co.in/index.php/jasass
250
Chirchik electrochemical plant proceeded at a rapid pace. The Tashkent Party Committees and
the City Executive Committee sent more than 2,000 workers to the “Chirchik Construction” site.
In addition, the regional party committees and regional executive committees mobilized 9,000
collective farmers from the regions of Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara to participate in the
construction work
In March 1940, the 9th Congress of the Communist Party of Uzbekistan was held. While the
congress acknowledged the achievements in the development of industry, it also addressed
several serious shortcomings. In particular, it was noted that efforts were being made at certain
industrial enterprises, mines, and construction sites to make full use of capacities and raw
materials, and to increase labor productivity
.
On the eve of the Second World War, many sectors of the national economy of the Uzbek SSR
were operating unsatisfactorily. The insufficient development of the oil and coal industries
hindered the production of fuel and electricity. Due to the political circumstances on the eve of
the war, party organizations and national economic leaders were reluctant to take initiative. Only
the Chirchik nitrogen fertilizer plant was constructed during this period. A.I. Niyazov, who had
gained significant experience during the construction of the Chirchik plant, was appointed head
of the Construction Department of the Communist Party of Uzbekistan in 1940. Shortly
thereafter, on January 20, 1941, he was assigned a new position as People’s Commissar of
Finance of the Uzbek SSR
.
In 1940, the People's Commissariat of Finance of the Uzbek SSR determined the state's revenues
and expenditures. According to the budget, state expenditures were set at 1,417,859 rubles, while
state revenues were projected at 1,450,258 rubles
.
The Communist Party of Uzbekistan, the government of the Uzbek SSR, and the working people
approached the tasks set by the war with a strong sense of responsibility. On July 16, 1941, the
Communist Party of Uzbekistan approved the military-economic plan for the second half of 1941.
This plan aimed at the urgent implementation of defense measures, with a particular focus on
restructuring the economy accordingly
The Party organization of Uzbekistan also carried out significant work in restructuring the
national economy under wartime conditions and in mobilizing and uniting the working masses.
The first practical step in this direction was the adoption of the “General Mobilization Plan for
the National Economy for the Third Quarter of 1941” on June 30, 1941. According to the plan,
the production of weapons increased by 26 percent compared to peacetime. From the first weeks
of the war, the “Toshqishloqmash” plant began producing military goods. By the end of 1941,
the plant had fulfilled 240 percent of its military production targets
.
A system of mandatory overtime work was introduced for workers and employees. For older
workers, the workday was extended to 11 hours within a six-day workweek; in reality, it often
3
Вклад трудящихся Узбекистана в победу в Великой Отечественной войне
- С.11.
4
Вклад трудящихся Узбекистана в победу в Великой Отечественной войне
- С.14.
5
Шигабдинов Р. Амин Ниязов. -Ташкент: «Ilm-ziyo-zakovat», 2019. -C.13.
6
Ўзбекистон Миллий архиви. Р-837-фонд, 32-рўйхат, 3145-иш, 3- варақ.
7
Ефимов В. И. Патриотический подвиг трудящихся Узбекистана в годы Великой Отечественной Войны.
Ташкент: «Фан» - 1972 . -C.26.
8
Голованов А. Саидов И. Вклад Узбекистана в победу над фашизмом. Часть II. – Самарканд: “Изд. СамГУ”,
2006. - С.6.
Volume 15 Issue 06, June 2025
Impact factor: 2019: 4.679 2020: 5.015 2021: 5.436, 2022: 5.242, 2023:
6.995, 2024 7.75
http://www.internationaljournal.co.in/index.php/jasass
251
reached 12 to 14 hours. Vacations were canceled. In cities, workers and employees were to
receive 400–500 grams of bread per day, while their dependents were allocated 300 grams.
However, in practice, people often received less than the prescribed norm. The industry of the
Uzbek SSR was assigned critical responsibilities. To successfully fulfill these tasks, the
following measures were necessary: reconstruction and expansion of major industrial enterprises
for military production; creation of new industrial sectors; rapid relocation and commissioning of
evacuated plants and factories; provision of raw materials and labor for industry; improvement of
railway and automobile transport operations; significant expansion of the chemical, energy, fuel,
and metallurgical industries; meeting the needs of agriculture for spare parts for tractors and
agricultural machinery; and increasing labor productivity at enterprises, construction sites, and in
the transport sector
.
Тaking this into account, the leadership of the Uzbek SSR took measures to strengthen the
country’s defense capabilities. The reconstruction of the republic's national economy was
directed by Soviet, party, and state organs. This issue was addressed at the 5th Plenum of the
Communist Party of Uzbekistan (December 5–7, 1941), during which concrete measures were
outlined for producing weapons and ammunition on a military basis and for restructuring the
national economy. The working class of the republic enthusiastically embraced the slogan of the
Communist Party of Uzbekistan: “Let there not be a single enterprise in Uzbekistan that does not
participate in the production of weapons and ammunition for the Red Army.”
For example, by the end of 1941, nearly all industrial enterprises in Samarkand had been
converted to military production, and most of them exceeded their planned output. However,
overall, due to the numerous difficulties faced during the first half of the war, the republic was
unable to fully transition its industry to defense production.As early as September 1941, 355
workers of the Tashkent railway were awarded badges of honor by the People's Commissariat of
Railways. This was in recognition of their dedicated labor and tremendous efforts in pursuit of
the common goal of stopping and defeating the fascist invaders
.
Thanks to the joint heroic labor of Uzbek workers and specialists, along with the employees of
the evacuated factories brought to our republic, production was rapidly resumed. As a result of
installing separate workshops of the “Rostselmash” plant, production began just 25 days later,
and the entire plant was fully operational within two months. The Chkalov Aviation Plant,
evacuated from Moscow, produced its first products in January 1942. The Carborundum Plant
was installed 5 to 6 times faster than planned. The “Krasny Aksay” plant (later known as
“Uzbekselmash”) began production just 29 days after its arrival
.
Before the war, Uzbekistan's economy was primarily based on agricultural products. During the
war, adapting to industrial production required a complete restructuring of manufacturing,
especially with the evacuation of factories and plants. This shift prioritized industrial
development to meet the Red Army’s military supply needs. As contradictory as it may seem, the
war became a significant turning point in Uzbekistan’s industrialization.
9
Ефимов В. И. Патриотический подвиг трудящихся Узбекистана в годы Великой Отечественной войны. . -
C.25.
10
Вклад трудящихся Узбекистана в победу в Великой Отечественной войне.
- С.54.
11
Ражабов Қ. Ўзбекистон ХХ асрда. Икки жилд. Иккинчи жилд (1939-2000 й.).- Тошкент: “Фан ”2024. - Б.37
.
Volume 15 Issue 06, June 2025
Impact factor: 2019: 4.679 2020: 5.015 2021: 5.436, 2022: 5.242, 2023:
6.995, 2024 7.75
http://www.internationaljournal.co.in/index.php/jasass
252
In the early years of the war, all regions mobilized their available economic resources. Children
made a notable contribution to the front by collecting scrap metal and working during their free
time on collective farms and in agricultural fields. The money they earned was transferred to the
state treasury. For example, schoolchildren from Samarkand region contributed 284,000 rubles
to the defense fund during the war years
.
During the war years, the Fergana regional party organization sent nearly 60 percent of its
members to the front. Under the leadership of the secretary of the regional party committee, a
selection commission was established for assigning personnel to national military units. In 1941,
the Communist Party of Uzbekistan's Fergana regional committee appointed 42 individuals to
command positions in the Red Army, 93 to political officer roles, and 16 to high-ranking posts.
In terms of industrial capacity, Fergana region ranked second in the republic after the city of
Tashkent
.
During the Second World War, special attention was given to the efficient use of underground
resources. Geological exploration revealed significant oil reserves in the Surkhandarya region.
During this analyzed period, Uzbekistan—including the Surkhandarya oil industry—made
significant strides. New oil fields were put into operation, and the volume of oil production
increased considerably. As many oil workers left for the front to fight for their homeland’s
freedom, there was a substantial demand for specialists at the Voroshilov Oil Trust. Thanks to
the courageous labor of the "black gold" workers, employees of the Voroshilov Oil Trust
managed to produce 2.6 percent more oil in 1942 than in 1941. Between 1941 and 1945,
enterprises under the People's Commissariat of Light Industry of Uzbekistan produced 7,518,800
military tunics, 2,636,700 cotton jackets, and 2,861,500 army boots for the front. During this
period, the Commissariat was led by Yu. Stepanenko, the wife of the state and party leader U.
Yusupov
.
In July 1941, the newspaper Pravda published an appeal “To All Women of the USSR.” The
essence of this appeal was to mobilize women for labor. The labor army was expanded by the
decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Uzbek SSR on February 13, 1942,
mobilizing women unfit for military service, adolescents, and pensioners for wartime labor. To
train women in mass professions, short-term vocational training courses lasting from 1 to 6
months were organized at technical schools and Machine-Tractor Stations (MTS), along with 10-
day seminars and women's schools for training industrial and agricultural specialists. As a result,
within three years of the war, 103,000 female workers were trained
During the war years, due to a shortage of labor in industrial enterprises in Uzbekistan,
adolescents, women, and the elderly were recruited to work. The increase in the proportion of
women in the republic's industrial production indicates their active participation during the war.
Within just a year and a half of the war, the share of women employed in Uzbekistan’s industry
rose from 20 percent to 63 percent by 1943
.
12
Вклад трудящихся Узбекистана в победу в Великой Отечественной войне ……- С.44.
13
Вавилов Ф.И. Ферганская область в Великой Отечественной войне. ……... -С.14.
14
Ўзбекистон халқининг фашизм устидан қозонилган ғалабага қўшган ҳиссаси. Китоб-альбом. Тошкент:
“Ўзбекистон”, 2020. -Б.161.
15
Sobirova D. The contribution of uzbek women to the victory in Second World War// The American Journal of
Social Science and Education Innovations// 2021: P-451-456.
16
Иноятов Ҳ.Ш. Ғалабага қўшилган ҳисса. – Тошкент: “Фан”, 1975. - Б.45.
Volume 15 Issue 06, June 2025
Impact factor: 2019: 4.679 2020: 5.015 2021: 5.436, 2022: 5.242, 2023:
6.995, 2024 7.75
http://www.internationaljournal.co.in/index.php/jasass
253
Launching factories in the country required a significant amount of electricity. For this reason,
large hydroelectric power stations were constructed in the territory of the Uzbek SSR during this
period. At the end of 1941, following a request by the Communist Party of Uzbekistan and the
Council of People's Commissars of the Uzbek SSR, the Council of People's Commissars of the
USSR adopted a resolution on the construction of hydroelectric power plants. Workers from
Tashkent region took part in the construction of the Oktepa Hydroelectric Power Station and
Hydroelectric Plant No. 1 in Aqqovok, which began in the winter of 1942. The second phase of
the Chirchik hydroelectric complex was completed. The hydroelectric construction efforts that
began in the winter of 1942 were carried out using the proven method of rapid communal
construction in Uzbekistan
.
At the 7th Plenum of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Uzbekistan held in
February 1943, several concrete measures were defined to implement this program in practice. In
particular, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Uzbekistan and the Council of
People’s Commissars of the Uzbek SSR were instructed to review and approve the construction
and installation schedules for each hydroelectric power station by no later than February 20,
1943. Strict oversight was introduced over the fulfillment of these schedules, as well as over the
provision of construction workers with labor resources, building materials, machinery, and
transportation.
The Plenum emphasized the special importance of the construction of the Farhad Hydroelectric
Power Station, which was the largest national industrial construction project in Uzbekistan at the
time. The party organization of Uzbekistan assigned the best organizers and specialists capable
of leading thousands of workers and ensuring the organization of cultural and domestic services
at the Farhad HPP construction site. In addition, workers across the republic sent more than 300
train cars of various goods to support this important new facility. The Farhad Hydroelectric
Power Station truly became a people's construction project
The largest of the aforementioned hydroelectric power stations was the Farhad Hydroelectric
Power Station, whose construction was planned for 1943–1944. A total of 70,000 collective
farmers participated in the construction of the Farhad HPP. Collective farmers from Andijan
region built one of the key structures of the project—a concrete dam on the Syr Darya River.
This required the removal of 100,000 cubic meters of stone and the laying of 70,000 cubic
meters of concrete. Collective farmers from Surkhandarya region took part in constructing the
earthen dam for the main structure of the water-conveying canal and laid 29,000 cubic meters of
concrete. Thousands of collective farmers from other regions also made notable contributions by
helping to lay the new bed of the Shirinsay River beneath the canal
.
According to Resolution No. 1782 of the Council of People’s Commissars of the Uzbek SSR and
the Communist Party of Uzbekistan dated November 28, 1943, the responsibility for continuing
construction during the winter season and improving food supply for the collective farmers
working on the Farhad Hydroelectric Power Station was entrusted to the construction head,
Sarkisov. To support their nutrition, meat was to be supplied exclusively from slaughtered
livestock. Between December 1943 and January–February 1944, 10 tons of tea and 6 tons of
17
История Узбекской ССР в четырех томах Том 4. - C.90.
18
История Узбекской ССР в четырех томах Том 4. - C.91.
19
История Узбекской ССР в четырех томах Том 4. - C.112.
Volume 15 Issue 06, June 2025
Impact factor: 2019: 4.679 2020: 5.015 2021: 5.436, 2022: 5.242, 2023:
6.995, 2024 7.75
http://www.internationaljournal.co.in/index.php/jasass
254
laundry soap were allocated for the collective farmers. Additionally, the Council of People’s
Commissars of the Uzbek SSR was tasked with providing 1.2 tons of vegetable oil from the
reserve fund to ensure enhanced nutrition
The winter mobilization of collective farmers for the construction of the Farhad Hydroelectric
Power Station was carried out from December 15, 1943, to March 5, 1944. A total of 7,000
people were mobilized from Andijan region, 6,500 from Namangan region, 8,500 from
Samarkand region, 7,500 from Fergana region, 4,500 from Bukhara region, 3,000 from
Surkhandarya, and 3,000 from Kashkadarya region. In addition, 7,000 donkeys from all regions
were also mobilized for transporting loads
The demand for non-ferrous metals increased significantly. In 1940, the state allocated a total of
5 million rubles for the construction of the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Combine, with
900 thousand rubles allocated for the first quarter. By November 1, 1941, the first phase had
been completed, and by the end of 1942, the plant was fully operational. As a result, large-scale
construction works rapidly intensified in Almalyk. Rich deposits of copper and other non-ferrous
metals were discovered in the area. At the beginning of 1942, geologists of the republic
identified up to 150 iron ore deposits in Central Asia, most of which were located in Uzbekistan.
Within a short period, new enterprises for the extraction of copper, lead, tungsten, and
molybdenum were established
.
List of References
1. Contribution of the workers of Uzbekistan to the victory in the Great Patriotic War. Ed. H.Sh.
Inoyatov. - Tashkent: "Fan", 1975. - P.10, 11, 14, 44, 54.
2. Efimov V.I. Patriotic feat of the workers of Uzbekistan during the Great Patriotic War. -
Tashkent: "Fan", 1972. - P.25-26.
3. Golovanov A., Saidov I. Contribution of Uzbekistan to the victory over fascism. Part II. -
Samarkand: Publ. SSU, 2006. - P.6.
4. Vavilov F.I. Fergana region in the Great Patriotic War. - P.14.
5. Shigabdinov R. Amin Niyazov. – Tashkent: “Ilm-ziyo-zakovat”, 2019. – P.13.
6. Razhabov K. Uzbekiston XX ASRD. Ikki Zhildlik. 2-core (1939–2000). – Tashkent: “Fan”,
2024. – B.37.
7. Inoyatov H.Sh. Galabaga қўshilgan ҳissa. – Tashkent: “Fan”, 1975. – B.45.
8.Uzbekistan khalkining fascism ustidan kozonilgan galabaga қўshgan ҳissasi. Kitob album. –
Tashkent: “Uzbekistan”, 2020. – B.161.
9.Sobirova D. The Contribution of Uzbek Women to the Victory in the Second World War. //
The American Journal of Social Science and Education Innovations. – 2021. – P.451–456.
10. History of the Uzbek SSR in four volumes. Volume 4. – P.90, 91, 112.
11.Uzbekistan Milliy archives. R-837-fund, 32-ruykhat, 3145-ish, 3-varak; 2218-ish, 4-varak.
12.Kashkadar viloyat davlat arhivi (VDA). 133-fund, 1-ruykhat, 207-ish, 41-varak; 65-varak.
13.Buronov, O., & Nurmanov, Z. G. (2024). The development of the oil and gas industry in
Qashqadaryo during the Soviet era. Tashkent: University of Information Technologies and
Management.
20
Қашқадарё ВДА, 133-фонд, 1-рўйхат, 207-иш, 41-варақ.
21
Қашқадарё ВДА, 133-фонд, 1-рўйхат, 207-иш, 65-варақ.
22
Ўзбекистон Миллий архиви. Р-837-фонд,.32- рўйхат, 2218-иш, 4- варақ.
Volume 15 Issue 06, June 2025
Impact factor: 2019: 4.679 2020: 5.015 2021: 5.436, 2022: 5.242, 2023:
6.995, 2024 7.75
http://www.internationaljournal.co.in/index.php/jasass
255
14.Buronov, O., & Nurmanov, Z. G. (2024, November25). Socioeconomic and cultural life of
Qashqadaryo in the 1920s–early21st century (The case of Kasan district). In Analysis of Modern
Science and Innovation, 1(2). https://esiconf.org/index.php/AMSI/article/view/4353
15.Buronov, O., & Qosimjonova, R. F. (n.d.). The shrines of Kitob District– Symbols of our
national heritage. In Modern Problems in Education and Their Scientific Approaches (pp. 104–
111). Retrieved from https://esiconf.org/index.php/MRIATS/article/view/4351
16. Murodullaevich, B. O. (2024). The fight against infectious diseases of Uzbekistan on
experience.Western European Journal of Historical Events and Social Science, 2(4), 93-97.
17.Buronov, O. Kishloq vrachlik punctlarida tibbiy kadlar salohiyatini oshirishga karatilgan
davlat siyosati. Otmishga nazar. No. 7.2023.
18.Buronov, O. (2025). Changes In The Murobak Gas Processing Plant In The Years Of
Independence.Zien Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 40, 62-67.
19.Buronov, O., & Davronov, U. B. (2025). Administrative-territorial division and demographic
indicators of Samarkand during the years of independence.International Journal of Artificial
Intelligence, 1(1), 405-409.
20.Buronov, O., & Davronov, U. B. (2025). History of modern construction and urban
development in Samarkand region during the years of independence.International Journal of
Artificial Intelligence, 1(1), 410-414.
21.Buronov, O. (2025). SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN UZBEKISTAN IN THE 40-80-
IES OF THE XX CENTURY.BRIDGING THE GAP: EDUCATION AND SCIENCE FOR A
SUSTAINABLE FUTURE, 1(1), 1160-1168.
22.Murodullayevich, B. O. (2025). O ‘ZBEKISTONDA QISHLOQ JOYLARDA IJTIMOIY-
MAISHIY OMILLARNING AHOLI SALOMATLIGIGA TA’SIRI (XX ASR 50-80 YILLARI).
International scientific journal, 2(1), 52-58.
23.Buronov, O. (2021). STAGES OF IMPLEMENTATION OF HEALTH MEASURES IN
RURAL AREAS (1991-2021). In PSYCHOLOGY AND PEDAGOGY 2021 (pp. 22-26).
24.Bo'ronov, O.Journal of Social Sciences, 1(02).
25.THE DEVELOPMENT OF GENERAL EDUCATION SCHOOLS AND IMPROVEMENT
OF INFRASTRUCTURE IN QASHQADARYO REGION (BASED ON THE PERIOD OF
1991–2024). (2025).Journal of Multidisciplinary Sciences and Innovations, 4(4), 941-
944.https://doi.org/10.55640/
