THE POLICY OF INDEPENDENT UZBEKISTAN ON THE RESTORATION OF HISTORICAL VALUES

Аннотация

; 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 rich 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 https://scientific-jl.com/luch/ 2 4 2 Часть-47_ Том-2_ июнь-2025 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 celebration 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. https://scientific-jl.com/luch/ 2 4 3 Часть-47_ Том-2_ июнь-2025 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 enhanced 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 ance