History is Our Greatest Teacher, Our Most Excellent Education: Shavkat Mirziyoyev

Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: On August 31, the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Repression, a solemn ceremony took place on the Shahidlar Khotirasi (Memory of Victims) Alley. The event was attended by representatives of state and public organizations, the older generation, and the intelligentsia. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was present to honor the memory of those who suffered during the era of repression.

In reverence for the ancestors, Surahs from the Quran were recited, and pilaf was served to those in attendance. The significance of holding this ceremony in conjunction with Independence Day was deeply felt, underscoring that devotion to the Motherland remains ever honored, and no good deed is forgotten.

A Quran was also recited at the symbolic tombstone within the park, followed by a discussion on restoring historical truth and educating the youth in this spirit. President Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of remembering the names of heroic ancestors and honoring their sacred memory as both a duty and obligation. He stated, “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.”

The President highlighted ongoing efforts to honor the victims of repression, including the construction of memorial complexes, the creation of educational institutions, mahallas, museums, parks, and alleys named after ancestors-educators. He also mentioned the publication of Books of Memory, the production of artistic and scientific works, and the organization of international conferences on this theme. Over the past three years, more than 1,200 victims of political repression have been rehabilitated, a testament to the resilience of justice and truth.

At last year’s ceremony, President Mirziyoyev instructed local authorities to identify victims of repression and expand research in this area. Following these instructions, 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 on July 19 this year. A republican commission was established to coordinate this work, headed by the Ministry of Defense.

The President explained the resolution’s goals, emphasizing the need to compile a complete list of victims of repression, study their exemplary lives, and restore historical truth. This effort will include recording their names in a multi-volume book “Victims of Repression” and in a symbolic book within the memorial complex. The President also announced the organization of scientific expeditions to gather information from foreign archives and other sources.

Moreover, the first week of October will be observed annually as the Week of Remembrance of Victims of Political Repression. This week will include meetings, thematic exhibitions, competitions, and film screenings. Regional and local officials will visit the homes of repression victims, engage with their descendants, and install memorial plaques in their honor. Memory Corners will be organized in the mahallas and schools where these selfless ancestors lived.

Recent years have seen the reconstruction of the Museum of Memory of Victims of Repression in Tashkent and the establishment of similar museums in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and other regions, with special attention to museums in Andijan, Bukhara, Karshi, and Fergana.

President Mirziyoyev emphasized the need to continue these noble efforts, involving the public more widely with unique documents and exhibits about the lives of the Jadids. He called for more extensive research in the context of mahallas and encouraged the involvement of the intelligentsia, the older generation, and human rights activists. He stressed the importance of material incentives for researchers and the dissemination of history to the youth, particularly through social networks.

Reflecting on the significance of history in education, the President highlighted initiatives such as the creation of the Imam Bukhari Museum and the use of historical films. He stressed that history itself is the greatest school and that the youth should be well-versed in their history, drawing inspiration from their ancestors. He warned of the growing threats in the world and the decline of national identity, virtue, and values, underscoring the importance of peace and tranquility in the 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 ceremony concluded with prayers for the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland, asking the Almighty to protect the peaceful and tranquil country.