MAHMUDKHOJA BEHBUDI AND THE NATIONAL AWAKENING: THE ROLE OF “OYNA” MAGAZINE IN SHAPING UZBEK CULTURE, EDUCATION AND IDENTITY

Аннотация

This article explores the pivotal role of Mahmudkhoja Behbudi in the national awakening movement in Uzbekistan during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It highlights his contributions to the development of Uzbek culture, literature, and press, particularly through the establishment of the first Uzbek-language magazine, “Oyna”. The article emphasizes Behbudi's efforts to promote education, preserve the Uzbek language, and revive national values. It also discusses his reforms in the education system and his advocacy for modern thinking and social change. Key words:National Awakening, uzbek culture, “Oyna” magazine, education reform, uzbek language, press development. At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, national awakening movements intensified sharply in the countries of Asia and the East, including Uzbekistan. During this period, the preservation of Uzbek culture and language, as well as the awareness of their past, strengthened among the Uzbek people, and ideas of national liberation gained momentum. Moreover, Mahmudhoja Behbudi's role in Uzbek culture and press holds a special place as one ofthe main symbols ofthe national awakening. Behbudi not onlycontributed to the development of Uzbek literature but also played a significant role in shaping national pride through his reforms in the fields of press and education. The national awakening movement in the East, particularly in Uzbekistan, strived to achieve its ultimate goals in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One of the main ideas of this movement was to call upon people to understand their history and culture. During this period, the peoples of the East aimed to preserve their national independence and develop their language and culture. The colonial policy of the Russian Empire and its impact on culture intensified the people's need to preserve their identity during this process. Prominent figures who actively participated in this movement, including Mahmudkhoja Behbudiy, played a crucial role in achieving the goals of national awakening and rousing the people through a different approach. Behbudiy's role in the press and his place in Uzbek culture are of particular significance. One of the most important aspects of his work was the development oftheUzbek languageand itswidespread promotionin thepress. Behbudi's role in the press and his place in Uzbek culture are of particular importance. One of the most significant aspects of his work was the development of the Uzbek language and its widespread use in the press. Notably, the magazine "Oyna" is considered the first Uzbek- language periodical founded by Behbudi and published under his editorship. Its inaugural issue was released on August 20, 1913. The printing house and head office of the magazine were located in Samarkand, and the publication's title was written on the cover in Arabic, Uzbek, Persian, and Russian: "Mir'ot," "Ko'zgu," "Oyna," and "Zerkalo" respectively. The magazine was published weekly, with each issue comprising 24 pages. Talented writers from Samarkand, including Saidrizo Alizoda, Rojiy, and Hoji Muin, assisted M. Behbudi in publishing the journal. School and madrasa teachers, renowned writers, and scholars from various regions contributed to page915 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ISSN:2692-5206,ImpactFactor:12,23 AmericanAcademicpublishers,volume05,issue03,2025 Journal: https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai the journal as well. Mahmudkhoja Behbudi, while performing publishing and editorial duties, appeared in almost every issue of the magazine with meaningful, selected articles on current topics. The "Oyna" magazine primarily focused on reforming the national education system in the region. Most of the materials published in the magazine were related to education, promoting new "usuli jadid" schools among the public that taught both religious and secular sciences. The main purpose of "Oyna" magazine was to develop education, enhance the culture of the Uzbek people, revive national values, and disseminate modern thought among the population. In the magazine "Oyna," Behbudi emphasized the importance of education and showed its role in educating the people. The magazine promoted the ideas of attracting people to science and education, preserving national values. At the same time, he paid special attention to the preservation and development of the Uzbek language. He considered it important to widely use language in literature and convey it to the people. The magazine also promoted changes in the social life of the Uzbek people and modern thinking. Behbudi, as an activist of the national awakening, tried to present innovations related to literature and reflecting the culture of the people. His significant contributions to the development of Uzbek literature, the introduction of new genres and forms, the publication of literary criticism and analyses in the journal, as well as new literary works, indicate his inf