TASHKENT -- Uzbekistan is taking steps to solidify its reputation as a centre of Islamic culture and education as part of enhanced efforts to combat extremism among youth.
Uzbekistani President Shavkat Mirziyoyev last month urged "collaborative work" among elders, mahallas (neighbourhood associations), police inspectors, imam-khatibs and religious education consultants to prevent youth radicalisation.
"We must strengthen peace and stability in the country in every possible way and step up our fight against various security threats," he told parliament on December 23, as reported by 1news.uz.
One way the government plans to prevent radicalism is through the promotion of Uzbekistan as a centre of Islamic culture and education.
These efforts appear to be gaining momentum.
The construction of a facility for the Centre for Islamic Civilisation in Tashkent is under way, and the city of Bukhara is preparing to serve as the world capital of Islamic culture in 2020 for the Asian Region.
Tashkent in 2007 held the same title, which is designated annually by the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in Rabat, Morocco. Every year the organisation selects three world capitals of Islamic culture.
"The fact that [Bukhara] was granted recognition as a capital of Islamic culture ... affirms the distinguished contributions made by the city and its scholars to the development of Islamic civilisation," said Azamjon Abdurakhmonov, a teacher at Tashkent Islamic University, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Uzbekistan (DUMU) press office reported January 6.
Another effort aimed at raising Uzbekistan's status as a centre for Islamic culture is a nationwide Koran recitation competition.
Registration for the competition, organised by the DUMU, closed on January 15 with 5,000 applicants from across the country, as Regnum.ru reported.
Mufti Usmonkhon Alimov, head of the DUMU, called for the contest to take place at a highly professional level, and said that in the future it could become a springboard for Uzbekistan to host international Koran recitation contests.
The contest will be held progressively at the district, provincial and national levels, with the final competition scheduled in April.
Cinema can also be used to help combat extremism, including a movie being made about the 9th-century Islamic scholar and Bukhara native Imam al-Bukhari, according to Mirziyoyev.
Uzbekistani film director Rustam Sagdiyev has begun working on a two-part film about Imam al-Bukhari, Anhor.uz reported January 12. The government will finance the movie, and producers are planning to screen the film worldwide.
"If we need to, we will buy the most modern [film] equipment in Hollywood," Sagdiyev told Anhor.uz. "We'll invite international movie stars to appear in it."
Films about Islamic scholars can be broadcast in mosques and serve as an educational tool, the president said, according to the DUMU press office.
"Nowadays, when the struggle among ideas and ideologies to capture people's consciousness and worldview, especially those of young people, is intensifying around the world, we need to efficiently use the tremendous potential of the most mainstream form of art," Mirziyoyev December 29 said during a Tashkent meeting with representatives from the film industry.
"Imam al-Bukhari ... is one of the most famous Islamic scholars and collectors of hadiths," Otabek Mamarasulov, a regular attendee of the Minor Mosque in Tashkent, told Caravanserai.
"If Uzbekistan continues to promote its heritage, then more and more pilgrims will come here, and more and more Muslims will discover the true face of the country and contribute to mutual understanding," he said.
"The DUMU is planning to organise a small pilgrimage for Muslims from various countries, so they can visit Bukhara and places associated with Imam al-Bukhari," he said.
Uzbekistan is also increasing the scope of its work on rehabilitating extremists who have served their prison sentences.
"We will continue improving the work done on social rehabilitation and helping those who have succumbed to the influence of extremist ideas return to a normal, healthy way of life," Mirziyoyev said December 23.
Caravanserai reported last October that Uzbekistan released or removed 16,000 former extremists from blacklists.
Among them were several notorious figures, including Zakhid Yuldashev, the brother of Takhir Yuldashev, the late founder of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU). He was released last October after serving a 23-year prison sentence, a move made public on January 10.
"Uzbekistan is developing a system for rehabilitating former extremists," Amir Fayzullayev, an employee of the Yangi Khaet mahalla in Tashkent, told Caravanserai.
"This will be based on a presidential decree that explains all the specifics of work with such persons," he said. "Mahalla elders, the Union of Youth or the [national] Women's Committee will be responsible for [rehabilitating the former extremists]. Systematic work will be carried out."
The details of the decree are expected to be ready by June, he said.
What do you know about the 14th of January – the Day of Defenders of the Motherland of Uzbekistan? There are many professions in the world, but being a defender of the motherland is one of the most honorable. It is an honor to protect one’s family, home, and children. Therefore, the Day of Defenders of the Motherland is a national holiday for the Uzbek people.
The history of this day in Uzbekistan dates back to 1992 when, on January 14, the country’s parliament decided to transfer all military units, educational institutions, and other formations stationed on the territory of Uzbekistan under the jurisdiction of the Republic. Since then, every year on January 14, Uzbekistan celebrates this significant state holiday.
Motherland Defenders Day in Uzbekistan is celebrated widely and spectacularly. According to tradition, the anthem of the Republic of Uzbekistan is performed on Independence Square in the capital. Military units march through the square with a solemn parade accompanied by a military orchestra. Participants in the parade also lay wreaths at the foot of the Monument of Independence.
The Day of Defenders of the Motherland is also known as Uzbek Army Day. It is the official professional holiday of the Uzbek Armed Forces. Before 1992, Uzbekistan, as part of the former Soviet Union, observed Soviet Army and Navy Day. After gaining independence, countries like Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan continued to celebrate Soviet Army and Navy Day as Defender of the Fatherland Day. However, on December 29, 1993, the Uzbek Parliament officially established the Day of Defenders of the Motherland to commemorate the anniversary of the formation of the country’s armed forces.
On this day, military units of the Tashkent Garrison line up in Independence Square and receive congratulations and awards from the president and the minister of defense. Holiday activities also include wreath-laying ceremonies at the Monument to the Independence of Uzbekistan and the Amir Timur Monument.
To celebrate this holiday in a high and impressive spirit, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev issued a decree on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan, emphasizing the need for grand celebrations.
According to the noble ideas of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, “The Army and the people stick together.” This principle is reflected in the practical actions of authorities, neighborhoods, youth and women’s organizations, educational institutions, and the general public. This shows that defending the Motherland is not only a duty but also an honorable responsibility.
Military personnel and veterans who have devoted their lives to protecting the Motherland are honored with great respect every year. The Day of Defenders of the Motherland is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy, highlighting the value of these professionals’ service to the nation.
Protecting the Motherland is a sacred duty for all. The National Army and law enforcement agencies play a crucial role in ensuring the peaceful and stable life of the people and creating the necessary conditions for their well-being.
In today’s world, with increasing threats of international terrorism, extremism, and radicalism, it is essential for our Armed Forces to maintain a high level of combat readiness. Significant reforms in military and political fields have strengthened the National Army, making it more capable of responding to any threats.
Additionally, the knowledge, skills, and mental training of every serviceman are continuously improving. The military profession has always been considered both demanding and honorable. Our soldiers endure harsh conditions, guarding the peace of our homeland day and night, in both cold and heat.
Efforts to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities, foster patriotism among youth, and enhance public involvement in supporting the army have reached a new qualitative level.
Today, we can proudly say that our National Army has become a reliable guarantor of our borders’ security. By applying global best practices in military patriotism, construction, and industry, our armed forces have become a source of pride. Modern servicemen exemplify loyalty, bravery, and selflessness, demonstrating deep knowledge, strong will, and firm preparation to fulfill their sacred duty.
Across the globe, people dedicate their lives to maintaining peace and safeguarding their homeland. This noble profession is universally respected and honored. On January 14th, we commemorate the establishment of Uzbekistan’s Armed Forces. In 2025, the people of Uzbekistan will proudly celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the Day of Defenders of the Motherland.
Internet sources:
Fakhriddin Yernazarov,
Senior Teacher of the “Languages” Department
of the Tashkent Islamic Institute named after Imam al-Bukhari.