31.08.2021

On August 31, early in the morning, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Shakhidlar Khotirasi (‘Memory of Victims’) Square.

The public representatives gathered to honor the memory of our compatriots, our ancestors who gave their lives for the freedom and independence. The holy surahs (‘chapters’) from the Quran and supplication were recited in memory of the diseased. A funeral pilaf (Uzbek national dish) was served. 

During the Bolshevik Regime, more than 100 thousand of our compatriots, who fought for a national liberation, were subjected to repressions. Most of them were maligned as enemies of the nation and brutally shot. Others were exiled. Their families were separated. The property was confiscated. The thousands of women were widowed and children were orphaned.  

This is a sore wound not only in the hearts of their descendants, but also of our entire nation. Although so much time has passed since then, we all remember that terrible time with a shudder of the heart.

Since 2001, August 31 has been celebrated as the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Political Repressions. A special attention is paid to the study of the life and heritage of patriots, perpetuating their memory.

This year, the construction and landscaping activities were carried out on the alley to reconstruct the Museum of Memory of the Victims of Repression.

The President visited this museum. He got acquainted with the conditions created as well as historical documents.

«It is obvious that the leaders with great potential, scientists, writers, doctors, teachers were repressed. They were the best representatives of our people. The totalitarian regime did not need intelligent people who would open the eyes of the nation, strengthen its self-consciousness. They were guilty only of being great», - Shavkat Mirziyoyev has said.

Unfortunately, a complete list of victims of repression has not been formed to date. On October 8, 2020, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan signed the Presidential Order «On additional measures for a deeper study of the heritage and perpetuating the memory of victims of repression».

With the involvement of historians, a lot of work has started to establish and restore the names of all the victims of repression. A cooperation has also been established with archives and museums, libraries and foundations abroad, as well as the scientific expeditions are organized. Increasingly, new information is being found in the archives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Security Service, the Academy of Sciences and other organizations.

The museums, dedicated to the victims of repression, have been created in Karakalpakstan and all the regions. Along with official materials, they contain many historical documents and unique photographs from the family archives. The names of victims of repression, their lives and activities are studied in the context of regions and districts. Based on this information, a multi-volume book «Victims of Repression» is being prepared for publication.

The President noted the need for publishing small books, which were written in simple language for pupils along with such large scientific works. The instruction was given to assign researchers of the Institute of History to the Republic of Karakalpakstan and regions, to restore the names of Jadids, victims of repression in each region.

The President shared his opinions on the tasks of studying and teaching history.

«Before, we approached history selectively, highlighting those places that we like, and hiding those sides that we do not. All the historical moments, whether someone likes them or not, whether they are a matter of pride or the fact of treason, whether it is a success or failure – should be recorded objectively», - President has said.

On August 25, the Supreme Court acquittal of 115 victims of repression was a further step towards restoring the truth. The President has welcomed this decision.

«Justice has been served almost a century later. The names of 115 of our ancestors, who fought for our national independence and were not rehabilitated, have been restored. However, how many are there? It is necessary to continue the noble work aimed at restoring the honor and dignity of patriots». Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

A brief conversation was held with the representatives of the older generation, scientific community and intelligentsia at the symbolic memorial headstone. The President spoke about the memory of ancestors, the value of independence and peaceful life.

«Our Jadid ancestors did everything to liberate our country, bring it out of backwardness and develop all the spheres. They paid for it with their own lives. Therefore, today, we must remember and honor their deeds in the period of independence, peace and freedom».  Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

The importance of being vigilant to the development situations in the world, appreciating peace and tranquility was emphasized.

«All our results are made possible by virtue of peace. All our deeds should be based on science and education. We have created the Center of Islamic Civilization, Islamic Academy, International Research Centers of Imam Bukhari and Imam Termezi. The works of our great hadith collectors and theologians are being published. The new version of the Law «On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations» also serves these purposes. I am confident that imam-khatibs and religious community will continue to contribute improving spirituality, strengthening the atmosphere of harmony and mutual respect and proper education of young people», - President has said.

The participants recited supplications asking Almighty Allah to accept the souls of the deceased and protect peace and well-being in Uzbekistan.