The memory of those who fell in the name of freedom of the Motherland is eternal

A ceremony of commemoration of the victims of repression was held on the Alley "Shahidlar Khotirasi". President Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in it.

Surahs from the Koran and dua were read in memory of the departed. Memorial pilaf is served.

During the celebration of independence, our people traditionally pay tribute to the memory of patriots, remember their struggle for freedom and independence, contribution to the achievement of these prosperous days. This tradition confirms that our people never forget and always appreciate selfless service to the Motherland.

During the totalitarian system, thousands of people in our country were subjected to repression. Families were destroyed, and children were orphaned. In 1937-1938 alone, when the repressions took on the greatest scale, about 7 thousand of our compatriots were shot.

The executions were carried out at the place where the current alley now stands. During the years of independence, landscaping work was carried out here, a museum was created in memory of the victims of repression. Branches of the museum are open in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and regions. Now the museum has organized an exhibition dedicated to the figures of the enlightenment of Turkestan.

A reading of the Koran was also held at the symbolic tombstone in the alley.

- Every time we come here, remembering our brave ancestors who fell in the name of the freedom of our people, we find solace. To keep the memory of them, to continue their noble deeds is both an honor and a duty. The fate of our repressed ancestors calls us to appreciate and protect our independence. To live in this independent country, in peace and prosperity is a great blessing, a gift from the Almighty. Therefore, it is necessary to appreciate all this with a sense of gratitude," the President said.

 It was noted that in the period 1937-1953, 100 thousand people were repressed in Uzbekistan, 13 thousand of them were shot. Unfortunately, the repression did not end there.

In the 80s of the last century, thousands more of our compatriots suffered from injustice. Under false accusations, which became the basis for the so-called "cotton case", "Uzbek case", 40 thousand residents of the republic were investigated, 5 thousand were brought to criminal responsibility.

The Head of our state stressed that the political repressions against the great son of the Uzbek people, Sharof Rashidov, who headed Uzbekistan for twenty-five years, which were launched after his death, cause particular regret.

The good work carried out to study the life of the Jadids and perpetuate the memory of those who were unjustly repressed was noted.

- We are doing a lot to restore justice. Commissions were formed with the participation of historians, archival documents are being studied. Over the past two years, the Supreme Court of Uzbekistan has rehabilitated more than 850, and this year – another 240 of our compatriots. We should not stop these studies. Our people should know the truth," Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

The history of that time is being updated with new documents and material evidence. In the Republic of Karakalpakstan, regions and the city of Tashkent, Memory Books have been prepared, which include information about about 40 thousand of our compatriots. These collections will be published soon. 

The President noted that at the same time it is necessary to perpetuate the memory of the victims of repression directly in the mahallas in which they lived.

– Yes, museums are organized, books are published, rehabilitation continues. But we shouldn't stop there. I think it would be comprehensively correct if we install nameplates in schools where the victims of repression were born and where their descendants now live. Moreover, it is on such memorable days that it is necessary to visit their homes. We visit the participants of the war, why don't we remember the victims of repression?! After all, their life is full of heroism. We must study it, promote it, bring it to the youth," the head of state said.

The responsible persons were given instructions on the allocation of targeted grants to researchers studying the history of the Jadids, the production of documentaries and feature films about them, the publication of materials in the press and online publications.

– Our people should have a broad idea of those times, be proud. Young people should ask the question: "Our grandfathers fought for the dream of freedom, did not spare themselves, and what are we doing for independence?". What strengthens independence? First of all, patriotism, knowledge, spirituality. We must make sure that there are strong feelings of patriotism and gratitude in our society," the President noted.