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THE ROLE OF FEMALE JADIDS IN JADID ACTIVITY
Eldor Avgonov
researcher of Samarkand branch of Oriental University, Uzbekistan
Abstract
The Jadid movement, which emerged in Central Asia at the turn of the 20th
century, sought to reform society through education, modern thinking, and cultural
revival. While much attention has been given to male figures of this movement, female
Jadids also played an indispensable role. This article highlights the lives, courage, and
intellectual contributions of remarkable Uzbek women who, often at the cost of
personal freedom and safety, contributed to national awakening, educational reform,
and cultural transformation during the Soviet era. Through the stories of women like
Matluba Muhammad, Maryam Sultonmurodova, Xayriniso Majidkhanova, and
Dilorom Yusupova, we shed light on a hidden chapter of Uzbek history and the
extraordinary resilience of these female pioneers.
Keywords:
Female Jadids, Jadidism, Uzbek women, Matluba Muhammad,
Maryam Sultonmurodova, Xayriniso Majidkhonova, Soviet repression, women's
education, national awakening, cultural modernization.
Introduction
The Jadid movement, which emerged in Central Asia at the turn of the 20th
century, is widely recognized as a powerful force of cultural and intellectual reform
that sought to awaken national consciousness, modernize education, and promote
enlightenment ideals among the peoples of Turkestan. Much scholarly attention has
been given to the male leaders of this movement—such as Mahmudkhuja Behbudiy,
Abdurauf Fitrat, and Cho‘lpon—who laid the foundation for a modern Uzbek national
identity [1]. However, the pivotal contributions of female Jadids have remained largely
underrepresented in historical discourse. These women were not passive observers;
they were active participants who defied societal norms, overcame systemic
oppression, and made significant strides in education, literature, health, and civil rights.
The emergence of enlightened Uzbek women during the Jadid era reflected a
broader transformation in gender dynamics, national ideology, and the struggle for
independence. Figures such as Matluba Muhammad, Maryam Sultonmurodova, and
Xayriniso Majidkhonova epitomized the ideals of the movement [2]. Through their
educational achievements, literary works, and professional dedication, they challenged
not only colonial repression but also the deep-rooted patriarchy of traditional Central
Asian society.
This article aims to illuminate the vital role of female Jadids in the broader Jadid
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movement by exploring their biographies, literary contributions, and social impact [3].
Drawing on both archival records and published historical sources, it investigates how
these women helped to reshape the cultural and intellectual landscape of their time. In
doing so, the article seeks to restore their rightful place in national memory and
underscore their influence in laying the foundations of an independent and progressive
Uzbekistan.
The Symbol of Resistance: Matluba Muhammad
Matluba Muhammad stands out as a beacon of resistance in the disgraceful history
of Soviet totalitarianism. Her name lives on as a symbol of endurance, education, and
poetic patriotism. As a talented student and poet, she was only 17 years old when she
wrote the verses, “My nation, long oppressed by the hand of the Tsar,” which
reverberated across the Soviet Union and shook its foundations [4].
A student of great poets like Cho‘lpon and Shokir Sulaymon, Matluba’s patriotic
poetry became so influential that it was published in European presses, resulting in the
closure of the Uzbek Pedagogical Institute in Moscow where she studied. One of her
most famous poems, "Kurtulush yo‘linda" (On the Path to Liberation), was translated
into German by Sattor Jabbor and widely circulated, prompting fierce Soviet backlash.
Her intellectual rebellion not only threatened the oppressive regime but also inspired a
generation of young women [5].
Despite being expelled, imprisoned, and falsely accused, Matluba persevered.
After her release and exoneration, she continued her studies, served in the medical field
during wartime, and remained deeply committed to the wellbeing of her people. When
Uzbekistan gained independence, she wept tears of joy, finally witnessing the freedom
for which she had sacrificed so much [6]. She passed away in 1998, honored by those
who remembered her struggle.
A Voice of Talent and Truth: Maryam Sultonmurodova
Maryam Sultonmurodova was another talented woman who made her mark as a
writer, penning numerous essays and articles such as “Mehr ko‘zda” (Love is in the
Eyes), “Kutilmagan baxt” (Unexpected Happiness), and “Qalbim nidosi” (The Cry of
My Heart). Her writings reflect not only her literary talent but also her deep concern
for society and the future of Uzbek women. Like other female Jadids, she used her pen
as a tool of resistance and awakening, inspiring others through literature and journalism
[7].
International Influence: Xayriniso Majidkhanova
Xayriniso Majidkhanova was one of the first Uzbek women to study abroad. Sent
to Germany by the “Ko‘mak” society in 1922, she represented the courage and
ambition of a new generation of female thinkers. Her articles, including a notable piece
published in the Turkiston newspaper, revealed a progressive vision of Uzbekistan’s
future.
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Upon her return, she introduced modern European medical practices in rural areas,
establishing child healthcare centers and promoting women’s health. These efforts
stirred controversy but laid the groundwork for healthcare modernization. A poem
written for her departure, “Be careful, beautiful bird”, reflects how symbolic her
journey was for the intellectual elite of the time.
Legal Pioneer: Dilorom Yusupova
Dilorom Yusupova holds a unique place in the history of Uzbekistan as the first
female legal scholar and jurist who made significant contributions to the development
of legal thought and practice during the early 20th century [8]. Her achievements are
not only notable because of her gender, but also because they occurred in a period when
the legal profession was heavily male-dominated and women’s access to higher
education was extremely limited, especially in Central Asia.
Born into a time of great social transformation under the influence of the Jadid
movement, Dilorom Yusupova’s academic journey began at a local women’s school
established as part of the educational reforms encouraged by enlightened Jadid
thinkers. Demonstrating exceptional intellectual ability from an early age, she pursued
legal studies at a time when doing so was considered unconventional, even rebellious,
for a woman. Her determination to break these boundaries was not merely a personal
ambition—it was a reflection of the larger ideological spirit of the Jadid movement that
championed progress, gender equity, and national advancement through education and
reform.
Yusupova's early writings and legal commentaries reveal a deep understanding of
both Islamic legal traditions and the emerging Soviet legal framework, which made her
a bridge between the two worlds [9]. She advocated for a synthesis that would respect
national identity while introducing modern legal systems that could support the rights
of all citizens—especially women. As a result, she became one of the founding figures
of the Uzbek school of legal thought, influencing generations of scholars and
practitioners who followed her path.
Her involvement in drafting early civil codes and contributing to the legal
education curriculum at institutions in Tashkent was groundbreaking. She focused not
only on codification and legal principles but also on raising awareness of legal rights
among ordinary people, particularly women, who had long been marginalized and
excluded from the judicial system. She delivered lectures, wrote in progressive
journals, and mentored a new generation of female students—many of whom would
become educators, legal aides, and activists in their own right.
Dilorom Yusupova’s legacy continues to inspire legal professionals and scholars
in Uzbekistan today. Her contributions are increasingly being recognized in academic
works, legal institutions, and public memory, as Uzbekistan reclaims the lost narratives
of its national history and the courageous women who helped shape it [10].
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Cultural Transformation and Identity
The influence of female Jadids was not limited to education and politics. Their
exposure to European culture changed their personal appearance and dress style, which
sparked debates among conservative groups. Wearing modern clothing, using utensils
like spoons, and participating in theater were seen as radical departures from tradition.
However, these changes signified more than fashion; they were expressions of
intellectual liberation and a desire to align with global progress. By embracing
modernity, these women not only challenged patriarchal norms but also catalyzed
cultural reform. Their lives demonstrated that national progress required both men and
women to engage in change.
Overcoming Repression and Legacy
Despite Stalin’s oppressive purges, the female Jadids remained steadfast. Many,
like Matluba and her husband Vosiq Muhammadov, suffered imprisonment, exile, and
execution. The loss was immense, but their stories did not end in silence. Their
resilience ensured that even in prison or exile, they carried the spirit of national identity,
freedom, and knowledge.
Matluba, for instance, nursed her imprisoned brother Fatxulla back to health after
his return from Vorkuta and never stopped serving her people until her final days. Her
life and others like hers illustrate how the Soviet regime failed to extinguish the flame
of Jadid ideology.
Conclusion
Reading about these remarkable women, one cannot help but be struck by their
bravery, intellectual depth, and sense of national responsibility. From publishing in
international journals to defying totalitarian governments, they broke new ground for
Uzbek women.
Today, thanks to ongoing state efforts and President-led initiatives, the history of
the Jadid movement—and particularly its female figures—is receiving the attention it
deserves. These women were not just companions to their male counterparts; they were
leaders in their own right, who contributed to the enlightenment and modernization of
the Uzbek nation. Their stories continue to inspire a new generation striving for
freedom, education, and equality.
References:
1. Karimov, I.A. (2017). Yuksak ma’naviyat – yengilmas kuch. Tashkent: Ma’naviyat.
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4. Abdullayeva, G. (2021). "Ayol qiyofasida ma’naviyat va jasorat", Sharq yulduzi
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jurnal, №3, 45–52.
5. Sultonmurodova, M. (1930–1950). Selected Essays and Articles. Manuscripts
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8. Modern Science and Research. (2024). International Scientific Journal, Volume 3 /
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ularning merosi.
