UZBEKISTAN - A LAND OF TOLERANCE

Аннотация

The state of Uzbekistan is pursuing a policy aimed at strengthening interethnic harmony and religious tolerance. This article provides an analytical review of the law "On Approval of the Concept of State Policy in the Religious Sphere and Ensuring Freedom of Conscience of Citizens in the Republic of Uzbekistan," adopted on February 25, 2025, which aimsto strengthen theprinciples of religious tolerance. Keywords:Uzbekistan, Religious tolerance, nationality, representatives of different religions, concept. Uzbekistan has historically been a land of tolerance, where representatives of various nationalities and religions have lived in peace and harmony. The traditions of tolerance that have developed over centuries in this land continue to hold their significance today. According to official data, Uzbekistan is home to representatives of over 130 nationalities and ethnic groups, including 16 religious denominations. As stipulated in Article 4 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan1, the Republic of Uzbekistan ensures respect for the languages, customs, and traditions of all nationalities and ethnic groups residing within its territory and creates conditions for their development. Throughout history, various civilizations have intersected in the territory of Uzbekistan. This factor has laid the foundation for mutual dialogue and tolerance between different cultures and religions. It is indeed noteworthy that teaching in 7 languages in state educational institutions, broadcasting television and radio programs in 12 languages, and publishing newspapers and magazines in more than 10 languages are further aspects of tolerance. On February 5, 2021, the Senate of the Oliy Majlis approved the law "On the Establishment of the Day of Friendship of Peoples"2, and on February 10, 2021, the President of Uzbekistan signed this document. By the decree of the Cabinet of Ministers dated June 1, 2021, the "Friendship of Peoples" badge was established. It was determined that the badge would be awarded to employees of local and foreign state bodies, non-governmental non-profit organizations, business entities, representatives of the social sphere and the media, and compatriots abroad who have made a worthy contribution to strengthening theenvironment of interethnic friendship and harmony. The Constitution of Uzbekistan guarantees religious freedom. Here, representatives of various religions live confidently in their beliefs. In Uzbekistan, 147 national cultural centers of various nationalities, as well as 38 friendship societies, operate. They contribute to the preservation and development oftheir national traditions,as well as tocultural exchange with othernations. The state of Uzbekistan is pursuing a policy aimed at strengthening interethnic harmony and religious tolerance. The laws, programs, and concepts adopted in this area serve to further 1https://lex.uz/docs/6445145 2OntheestablishmentoftheDayofFriendshipofPeoples//LawoftheRepublicofUzbekistanNo.LRU-672of February10,2021. page1441 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ISSN:2692-5206,ImpactFactor:12,23 AmericanAcademicpublishers,volume05,issue03,2025 Journal: https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai strengthen the values of tolerance. In particular, it is no exaggeration to say that the entry into force of the law "On Approval of the Concept of State Policy in the Religious Sphere and Ensuring Freedom of Conscience of Citizens in the Republic of Uzbekistan," adopted on February 25, 2025, laid the foundation for raising the development of our country to an even higher level3. The introduction of rules specific to a particular religion into social relations, questioning the equality of women's and men's rights, the lack of deep understanding of the essence of secular statehood by some public servants, the spread of ideas and views aimed at undermining the development, solidarity, and stability of society, contradicting the law, denying social norms, national and universal values, and restricting the rights to use medical services, scientific and cultural achievements are observed in society today, and this concept can be recognized as a timelyadopted law tocounterthis situation. The concept states, "Religious values have served to shape the culture, lifestyle, customs, and morality of the people of Uzbekistan and to pass them on from generation to generation. Religious beliefs and religious tolerance, the true humanitarian essence of religions, are among the spiritual and moral foundations of society, serving to unite and consolidate the people of Uzbekistan, and are a source of age-old values that strengthen mutual respect and kindness in families." This Concept, consisting of 7 chapters and 41 articles, can be said to serve to protect the minds of citizens, especially young people, from various destructive ideas such as radicalism and extremism, along with ensuring religious tolerance and interethnic harmony in society. Its 3rd chapt