PRESERVATION AND RESTORATION OF HISTORICAL MONUMENTS IN QASHQADARYO IN THE POST-INDEPENDENCE PERIOD

Аннотация

This article highlights the efforts made in the Qashqadaryo region to preserve and restore historical monuments in the period following Uzbekistan’s independence. It discusses legal and regulatory documents adopted by the state, initiatives taken by local government bodies, as well as collaborative projects with international organizations aimed at restoring, conserving, studying, and promoting historical monuments for tourism. The article also reflects on the restoration of architectural monuments located in Qarshi, Kitob, and Shahrisabz, and their role in cultural and spiritual life. Special attention is given to the involvement of local communities in the preservation process and the importance of educating the younger generation in respect for national heritage. This research contributes to a deeper analysis of the preservation and sustainable development oftangiblecultural heritage in Qashqadaryo. Keywords:Qashqadaryo region, historical monuments, cultural heritage, post-independence period, heritage preservation policy, local government bodies, tourism potential, ancient monuments,pilgrimage sites, historical-cultural, legal foundations, socio-cultural development. Introduction. After the Republic of Uzbekistan gained independence, the issues of national identity, therevival of historical memory, and the study ofthe rich cultural heritage left by ancestors became one of the key priorities of state policy. In this process, special attention was given to the preservation of ancient monuments, their restoration, and the reinforcement of public awareness regarding historical sites. In particular, significant work has been carried out intheQashqadaryo oasis, which is rich in historical and cultural heritage.1. The architectural monuments located in this region — mosques, madrasas, mausoleums, sacred sites, bridges, bathhouses, and other historical structures — have served as unique spiritual and scholarly centers for centuries. During the years of independence, extensive measures have been taken to study, preserve, restore, and integrate these monuments into the life of modern society. As a result, legal, organizational, and scientific foundations for the preservation and promotion ofhistorical heritage have been established2. The Qashqadaryo oasis, located in the southern part of Uzbekistan, has for centuries been an integral part of Islamic civilization and the system of spiritual traditions. This region is recognized as a center that has made a significant contribution to the development of Islamic science and knowledge, and as a land that has produced prominent scholars, sheikhs, and enlightened intellectuals of itstime3. 1ЮлдашеваД.У.Ўзбекистондамоддий-маданийёдгорликларнингмуҳофазақилинишитарихидан.Илмий хабарнома,АДУ,2-сон.2019.Б.34-40. 2Қашқадарёвилоятдавлатархиви.С-533фонд,1-рўйхат,1-иш,1-15вараклар. 3СуюндикМустафоНуротоий.Мунавваркадамжолар.2011.-B.5. page689 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ISSN:2692-5206,ImpactFactor:12,23 AmericanAcademicpublishers,volume05,issue06,2025 Journal: https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai After gaining independence, wide opportunities were created to study the history of the country objectively and on a scientific basis — including research on the lives and works of great figures who contributed to Islamic sciences and spiritual heritage. At the same time, special attention was given to identifying, studying, restoring, and preserving the spiritual wealth they left behind, such as ancient mosques, madrasas, khanaqahs, and mausoleums as historical architectural monuments. Research Materials and Methodology. Starting from the early years of independence, extensive practical measures have been implemented topreserve, restore, and safeguard cultural heritage sites. Indeed, the people of Uzbekistan are obliged to protect their rich historical, spiritual, and scientific heritage. The state protection of such heritage is based on a legal framework. Scientific research has shown that the greatest damage to historical architectural monuments occurred during the 1920s and 1930s of the 20th century. Therefore, it is appropriate to study these processes in the context of different historical periods. The state policy of preserving and protecting cultural heritage sites plays a crucial role in restoring historical truths, fostering national identity, and transmitting the rich spiritual legacy to future generations4. During the 1920s and 1930s of the 20th century, many cultural heritage sites in our country were used for purposes completely different from their original functions. In particular, historical structures that had represented the scientific and spiritual life of our people for centuries were repurposed as storage facilities or served the needs of industrial and agricultural enterprises. Some were completely abandoned and, in certain cases, even used as prisons. One such example is the 14th-century Odina Mosque in the city of Qarsh