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THE POLICY OF INDEPENDENT UZBEKISTAN ON THE
RESTORATION OF HISTORICAL VALUES
Tugalova Madina Erkin qizi
Jizzakh State Pedagogical University
Abstract; This article analyzes the state policy of Uzbekistan in restoring
national historical values after gaining independence in 1991. The collapse of the
Soviet Union allowed Uzbekistan to rediscover its cultural heritage and reinforce
national identity through reforms in education, culture, religion, and historical
memory. The study examines institutional and legislative measures aimed at
reviving historical monuments, reinterpreting history, and promoting national
figures. The research highlights the importance of this policy in nation-building
and ideological independence.
Keywords:
Uzbekistan, historical memory, national identity, cultural
heritage, independence, restoration policy.
The independence of Uzbekistan in 1991 opened a new chapter in the
country’s history, allowing the people to reclaim their cultural and spiritual
identity. For decades under Soviet rule, many aspects of Uzbek history, including
religion, historical figures, and cultural traditions, were marginalized or repressed.
Following independence, one of the key priorities of the Uzbek government was to
revive these suppressed historical values and reestablish a strong sense of national
pride rooted in the country’s r
ich past.
Efforts to restore historical justice were not only symbolic but served as a
foundation for ideological independence, the development of patriotism, and the
spiritual unity of the people. Uzbekistan's policy in this area has focused on
reviving the legacy of great historical personalities such as Amir Temur, Alisher
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Navoi, and Imam Bukhari, as well as the reconstruction of cultural heritage sites,
religious freedom, and curriculum reforms.
This research is based on qualitative analysis using primary and secondary
sources, including official state documents, presidential decrees, scholarly
publications, and reports from cultural institutions. Comparative historical analysis
is applied to evaluate the transition from Soviet historiography to the post-
independence narrative, while content analysis is used to study key reforms in
education and cultural preservation.
Following Uzbekistan’s declaration of independence in 1991, the restoration
of historical values became a core element of the country’s national policy. A series
of coordinated efforts were initiated at the state level to reassess historical
narratives, rehabilitate national figures, and promote cultural heritage as a symbol
of sovereignty and identity. The outcomes of these initiatives can be summarized
as follows:
1.
Rehabilitation
of
National
Historical
Figures
One of the most significant outcomes of Uzbekistan’s post
-independence
policy has been the re-evaluation and official recognition of prominent
historical personalities. Figures such as Amir Temur, Mirzo Ulugbek,
Alisher Navoi, Ahmad Yassawi, Bahauddin Naqshband, and Imam Bukhari
were reinstated in the public consciousness through educational curricula,
cultural programs, and international symposia. The year 1996 was declared
the “Year of Amir Temur” in celebrati
on of his 660th birth anniversary,
accompanied by international conferences and the construction of the Amir
Temur Museum in Tashkent. These actions marked a turning point in the
ideological transformation from Soviet historiography to a nationally
centered historical outlook.
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2.
Restoration and Preservation of Cultural Heritage Sites
A vast program of restoration was undertaken to conserve Uzbekistan’s
architectural and archaeological heritage. Historical sites in cities such as
Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, and Termez were restored, often
in cooperation with international organizations like UNESCO. This included
the renovation of religious complexes, mausoleums, madrasas, minarets, and
ancient fortresses. These efforts not only contributed to cultural revival but
also en
hanced Uzbekistan’s tourism industry and global cultural profile.
3.
Institutional
and
Legislative
Reforms
To support historical restoration, the Uzbek government established key
institutions, such as the Academy of Sciences' Institute of History, the
International Amir Temur Foundation, and the Center for Islamic
Civilization. Legislative acts and presidential decrees were issued to protect
cultural heritage, promote academic research, and encourage public
participation in national memory projects. New laws on cultural
preservation, religious freedom, and education reform reflected the
importance of historical identity in nation-building.
4.
Integration of History into National Education and Ideology
School and university textbooks were revised to reflect a more accurate and
nationally proud version of Uzbek history. Pre-Soviet and Islamic periods,
previously underrepresented or negatively portrayed, were reintroduced and
contextualized as essential parts of the Uzbek national identity. Educational
programs emphasized respect for ancestors, national unity, and cultural
pride, aligning historical consciousness with patriotic education.
5.
Religious
Revival
and
Tolerance
The re-establishment of religious identity played a crucial role in restoring
historical values. Numerous mosques and Islamic schools that were closed
during the Soviet era were reopened and renovated. Celebrations of religious
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holidays, as well as the repatriation of religious relics and manuscripts,
fostered greater awareness of the spiritual legacy of Uzbekistan. The
restoration of the mausoleums of figures like Imam Bukhari and the
promotion of Islamic scholarship are integral to this process.
6.
International Recognition and Cultural Diplomacy
Uzbekistan’s efforts to restore its historical values have not remained
domestic. The country actively promotes its historical heritage abroad
through exhibitions, academic exchange, and participation in global cultural
programs. These initiatives have helped Uzbekistan to establish a unique
cultural identity on the international stage, strengthening ties with Turkic,
Islamic, and Eastern civilizations.
The restoration of historical values in Uzbekistan must be seen not merely as
cultural revival but as a strategic policy for building a cohesive and sovereign
national identity. By reasserting its historical narrative, Uzbekistan has positioned
itself as a modern state deeply connected to its civilizational roots. These reforms
have also played a role in foreign policy, allowing Uzbekistan to engage in cultural
diplomacy, particularly with Islamic countries and Turkic nations.
However, the process has not been without challenges. Balancing modern
development with the preservation of ancient traditions requires a nuanced
approach. There is also an ongoing need to ensure that history is not idealized or
politicized, but rather approached through critical, academic perspectives.
Uzbekistan's independence marked the beginning of a deliberate and
structured policy to restore historical values that were neglected or distorted during
the Soviet era. These efforts have strengthened national consciousness, contributed
to ideological sov
ereignty, and provided a strong foundation for the country’s
future. Continued investment in historical education, heritage preservation, and
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cultural dialogue will ensure that Uzbekistan remains connected to its past while
confidently moving toward modernization.
References
1.
Karimov, I. A. (1997).
Uzbekistan on the Threshold of the
Twenty-First Century: Threats to Security, Conditions of Stability and
Guarantees of Progress.
Tashkent: Uzbekistan Publishing House.
2.
Allworth, E. (1994).
The Modern Uzbeks: From the Fourteenth
Century to the Present.
Hoover Institution Press.
3.
Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the
celebration of the 660th anniversary of Amir Temur (1996).
4.
Rashidov, R. (2015).
Historical Memory and National Identity
in Uzbekistan.
Central Asian Studies Review.
5.
UNESCO. (2001).
Preserving Cultural Heritage in Uzbekistan.
6.
Turaev, S. (2020).
Cultural Policy and Historical Heritage in
Post-Soviet Uzbekistan.
Tashkent University Press.
