Publication Details
Abstract
At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, Turkestan faced a crisis of identity and spirituality under the dual pressures of Russian colonial domination and internal conservatism, which threatened national pride, cultural traditions, and intellectual progress. In this context, the Jadid movement, represented by thinkers such as Behbudiy, Fitrat, Cholpon, Munavvar Qori, and Abdulla Avloniy, sought to reform education, uplift society, and inspire youth to embrace modern knowledge while preserving national values. Their initiatives included new schools, the press, charitable societies, and literature that called for enlightenment and the revival of spirituality. While the Jadids’ historical significance is recognized, the depth of their role in shaping national consciousness and linking education, culture, and independence has not been fully integrated into contemporary scholarship. This study analyzes the Jadids’ intellectual and cultural contributions to the development of national spirituality and their strategies for fostering a harmoniously developed generation. Findings reveal that Jadid ideas were expressed through educational reforms, criticism of harmful social habits, advocacy for women’s and youth’s education, and literary works that vividly portrayed the tragedies of colonialism while promoting freedom and progress. The study demonstrates that the Jadids not only advanced enlightenment for their time but also created an enduring ideological framework that combined national identity with universal human values. Their legacy remains relevant today, offering lessons for modern Uzbekistan in strengthening spiritual foundations, advancing quality education, empowering youth and women, and nurturing patriotism and resilience in the face of global challenges.