Shavkat Mirziyoyev: The greatest school, the most excellent education is history itself

August 31 is the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Repression. In this regard, representatives of state and public organizations, the older generation, and the intelligentsia gathered on the Shahidlar Khotirasi (Memory of Victims) Alley.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended the ceremony.

In memory of the ancestors, Surahs from the Quran were recited. Pilaf was served.

Holding this ceremony simultaneously with the celebration of Independence Day profoundly touches the heart. This means that no matter how much time has passed, devotion to the Motherland is always honored, and no good deed remains without a trace.

A Quran was also recited at the symbolic tombstone in the park. A conversation took place about restoring historical truth and educating young people in this spirit.

“On the eve of Independence Day, in these peaceful and free days, remembering the names of our heroic ancestors and honoring their sacred memory is both our duty and obligation”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev said. “Therefore, we are restoring the honor and dignity of our compatriots. The noble motto “Man is dear, memory is sacred” has been firmly established in our lives. We are building memorial complexes. Educational institutions, mahallas, museums, parks, and alleys bearing the names of our ancestors-educators are being created. The work we have begun to study their heritage is rising to a new level. Artistic and scientific works and films are being created on this theme. Books of Memory are being prepared. International conferences are being held. Over the past three years, we have rehabilitated more than 1,200 victims of political repression. What does this mean? This means justice cannot be broken, and the truth will still prevail”. 

At last year’s ceremony, the Head of state gave instructions to identify victims of repression locally and expand research in this area. 

On this basis, on July 19 this year, the Presidential Resolution “On expanding work to study the life and work, perpetuating the memory of compatriots who became victims of political repression” was adopted. In accordance with it, a republican commission was created to coordinate this work, with several responsible organizations assigned to it headed by the Ministry of Defense.

The Head of state spoke about the essence and goals of this resolution:

“Until now, a complete list of victims of repression has not been compiled. Meanwhile, behind each figure on this list is a human destiny. The life of each of our compatriots, who died and who were repressed, is heroism. Therefore, in the resolution, we paid special attention to the issue of identifying the victims of repression by name, studying and researching their exemplary lives. To restore the historical truth, we will record their sacred names in a multi-volume book “Victims of Repression” and on the pages of a symbolic book that will be created in this complex. Unfortunately, we have not fully studied all the information on this issue in foreign countries, even in our archives. Therefore, it was decided to organize scientific expeditions in this direction. Every year, we will celebrate the first week of October in our country as the Week of Remembrance of Victims of Political Repression”.

Why was this time chosen? Because from October 4 to 16, 1938, sentences were passed on 507 Uzbek political prisoners. Among them, the most outstanding personalities were executed. The rest were exiled for long terms.

Among those executed were such outstanding representatives of the intelligentsia as Fitrat, Chulpan, Abdulla Qodiri, Khudoybergan Devonov, the first Uzbek officers, the best specialists who received higher education in Germany, famous politicians and public figures. The most terrible thing is that they were executed on October 4, and the sentence was passed on October 5.

“This day is one of the black pages in the history of our people. Therefore, we must spend this week with great preparation and unanimity”, the President emphasized.

According to the resolution, meetings, thematic exhibitions, competitions, and film screenings will be held this week. Hokims of regions, districts, and cities, heads of ministries and agencies, and other responsible persons will visit the houses where the victims of repression lived and visit their descendants.

Memorial plaques will be installed in the houses where our selfless ancestors were born and raised. Memory Corners will be organized in the mahallas and schools where they lived.

Thus, people will receive information about their fellow citizens who were subjected to repression. They will realize that independence is a great blessing acquired at the cost of heavy losses. They will understand what fateful days our people lived through. They will feel with all their hearts that even in the most challenging times, our devoted ancestors preserved their conscience and national identity.

The Prime Minister was given instructions on organizing and monitoring the implementation of these works.

In recent years, along with the reconstruction of the Museum of Memory of Victims of Repression in Tashkent, similar museums have been created in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and in all regions. Museums in Andijan, Bukhara, Karshi, and Fergana deserve special attention.

The President emphasized the need to continue such noble work and familiarize the public more widely with unique documents and exhibits about the Jadids’ lives.

“Yes, our work in this direction has recently risen to a new level. Many unknown names have been identified. Books and films have been published. But this is not enough. It is important to conduct research in the context of mahallas so that the intelligentsia, representatives of the older generation, and human rights activists can contribute. This should become a value, a nationwide movement”, the Head of state said.

The importance of material incentives for researchers, disclosure of archival data, and bringing history to the youth was emphasized. 

“Why are we creating the Imam Bukhari Museum? Why are we using historical films? Because the greatest school, the greatest education, is history itself. Our youth should know our history well and take an example from our ancestors and not from others. Interestingly, this must be conveyed to the youth in a language they understand through social networks. If we educate the younger generation in this spirit, we can decisively continue the path we have chosen”, the Head of state said.

The growing threats in the world and the decline of concepts such as national identity, virtue, and values ​​ demonstrate the importance of peace and tranquility in our country.

“Independence is the greatest mercy and blessing of the Almighty for our people and country. We must appreciate every day and year and live with a sense of gratitude. If we do more good deeds, honoring our ancestors and improving the people’s lives, the Almighty will always open the way for us”, the President said.

The memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the interests of the Motherland was also honored. Duas were recited, asking the Almighty to protect our peaceful and tranquil country.