Participants of the International Conference dedicated to the study of the Jadid heritage

Dear participants of the conference!

Dear guests!

I congratulate you on the opening of the international forum dedicated to the study of the life, social activities, scientific and creative heritage of the Jadid enlighteners.

I express my sincere gratitude to the leaders and representatives of the Organization of Turkic States, TURKSOY, the International Turkic Academy, the International Foundation of Turkic Culture and Heritage, the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States, as well as all foreign scientists for their assistance in organizing and holding this conference.

Dear friends!

The Jadid movement, which originated in the late XIX – early XX century in a number of eastern and Muslim countries, has deep historical roots in the Turkestan region. It should be noted that our country has become one of the centers of these large-scale socio-political and educational processes.

The Jadids, being progressive representatives of their time, in extremely difficult conditions came up with the idea of national development through the dissemination of knowledge and education, radical reform of the sphere of education and upbringing.

To this end, they created schools and theaters, publishing houses and libraries, newspapers and magazines at their own expense, and sent gifted young people to study abroad. These initiatives and noble deeds of theirs received a wide response in society, turned into a mighty force.

I think that in our region, which became the cradle of two great Renaissance in the history of the East, it was the Jadids who could carry out the third Renaissance. Unfortunately, the totalitarian regime did not allow their far-sighted ideas and aspirations to be fully realized.

Today we are building a free civil society in our country, a democratic state governed by the rule of law, and in this we rely on the humanistic principles of our Jadid ancestors, drawing spiritual strength and energy from their heritage.

A lot of work is being done in Uzbekistan to perpetuate the memory of those who were subjected to political repression during the totalitarian system. August 31 is widely celebrated as the Day of Remembrance of Victims of Repression. There is a memorial complex "Shahidlar Khotirasi", the State Museum of Memory of Victims of Repression and its territorial branches. A lot of scientific research is being carried out, works of art are being created, films about the history of the phenomenon of Jadidism are being created. Memorial complexes, educational institutions are being built, museums, parks and squares bearing the names of the Jadids-enlighteners are being created.

Over the past three years, the Supreme Court of Uzbekistan has rehabilitated more than four hundred of our compatriots – victims of repression. Special attention should be paid to the fact that most of them are representatives of the Jadid movement.

Dear friends!

We have defined as our strategic task the formation of the foundation of a new Renaissance in the country in order to realize the cherished dream of our great ancestors. To this end, cardinal reforms are being implemented in the fields of science, education, upbringing and culture.

The priority for us is the organization of the education system based on modern requirements, increasing the role and status of teachers and mentors in the life of society.

Over the past six years, the number of preschool educational institutions in the republic has increased almost 6 times – from 4,988 to 29,420, higher education institutions – from 77 to 213. Presidential, creative and specialized schools of a new type are operating.

The highest intelligence and wisdom, will and steadfastness of our enlightenment ancestors will always be a shining example for us in the upbringing of children by harmoniously developed personalities based on national and universal values.

We consider it our key task to continue in-depth study of the activities of the Jadids together with international scientific centers and foreign scientists. Thanks to this unique heritage, it is possible to find the right answers to many questions that concern humanity today. The more attention we pay to the study and dissemination of this great spiritual heritage, the more deeply people, especially young people, will realize the value of a peaceful and free life.

I wish all participants of the forum health, new achievements and successful work of the conference.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev,

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan