Mahmudhodji Behbudi did not just offer ideas - he lived them

Uzbekistan celebrates the 150th anniversary of the founder of the Jadid movement in Turkestan.

Mahmudhoja Behbudi remains a shining symbol of progress and enlightenment, whose life and work inspire the pursuit of knowledge and service to society. His views, based on a harmonious combination of traditional values ​​and modern knowledge, remain relevant in the context of rapid changes in the 21st century. Behbudi did not just propose ideas - he lived them, devoting his life to the struggle for the enlightenment of the people. His works, filled with calls for freedom of thought and responsibility for the future of the Motherland, serve as a powerful example for young people.

The educator defended reforms in education, equality, the development of national literature and theater, as well as democratic changes. These principles resonate in the tasks of New Uzbekistan, where the emphasis is on the formation of harmoniously developed individuals capable of creation and innovation. Behbudi's life, full of challenges and achievements, demonstrates how one can overcome the limitations of an era in the pursuit of knowledge and progress. He traveled the world, studied languages, introduced advanced teaching methods, showing that dreams and ambitions are achievable with perseverance and belief in one's ideals. The popularization of his work helps young people realize their national identity, feel pride in their historical heritage and inspires them to self-development.

In March 2023, in his address to the participants of the International Conference dedicated to the study of the heritage of the Jadids, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted: “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 enlightenment, radical reform of the sphere of education and upbringing... These initiatives and noble deeds of theirs received a wide response in society and turned into a powerful force.”

And today the task of society is to revive this potential, directing it to the education of active and creative youth. Therefore, in recent years, Uzbekistan has been actively working to popularize the legacy of Mahmudhodji Behbudi, covering educational, cultural and media spheres.

In the capital, a monument to Behbudi was erected on the Alley of Writers, and a house-museum was opened in Samarkand, where he lived and worked. All these activities are aimed at creating conditions for in-depth study of the ideas of the educator, making them accessible to a wide audience, especially young people.

A lot of work remains to be done this year as part of the implementation of the Presidential Decree “On the widespread celebration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of the founder of the Jadid movement in Turkestan, an outstanding writer, public figure, publisher and teacher Mahmudhodji Behbudi” dated December 27, 2024. It is planned to update the exhibition of the house-museum in Samarkand and improve its territory in order to attract more young visitors. In Karshi, one of the streets will be named after the educator with the installation of a memorial plaque. This will not only perpetuate the memory of the great ancestor, but will also create space for patriotic education.

A number of major educational events are planned. An essay competition “Lessons of Mahmudhodji Behbudi” will be held among students of secondary general education and creative schools, Temurbeklar Maktabi cadets and university students. The event encourages the study of the biography and ideas of the educator, developing the skills of analytical thinking and literary creativity. A scholarship named after Mahmudhodji Behbudi has been established for students of the University of Journalism and Mass Communications of Uzbekistan, and in the field of drama there is an award of the same name, motivating young people to actively participate in the cultural and scientific life of the country.

Literary and educational evenings also help to popularize the heritage of the great ancestor. The solemn literary and educational evening of memory planned for November at the State Academic Bolshoi Theater named after Alisher Navoi will become a platform for discussing the educator’s contribution to culture and presenting new editions of his legendary works.

Similar meetings have already been successfully held, attracting young people through interactive formats, including readings and discussions. For example, in 2020, the National Library of Uzbekistan hosted an exhibition dedicated to the 145th anniversary of the birth of Mahmudhodji Behbudi.

Theatrical art, the foundations of which in Uzbekistan were laid by Behbudi with his 1914 play Padarkush, also remains an important tool for popularizing his ideas. Productions dedicated to the life of the enlightener are planned, audiovisual projects are created for social networks and the media, which make the heritage accessible to the digital generation and allow young people to see the relevance of the ideas of Jadidism in the modern world.

Expanding the scope of inclusion of the legacy of Mahmudhodja Behbudi in school literature and history curricula, as well as the organization of regular youth forums dedicated to Jadidism, also promises to play a major role. This year, the collection “Selected Works” of Behbudi and popular science books about his life will be released, which will be distributed in schools, universities and libraries.

Promoting heritage is not just preserving the memory of the past, but also a strategic investment in the future of Uzbekistan. The ideas of our ancestors and educators about education, equality and progress form in young people the qualities necessary for the further development of the country.

Studying Behbudi's works helps young people understand the value of their history and culture, strengthening their patriotism and national identity. Thus, the educator was convinced that education is the basis of progress. And his example today continues to inspire young people to self-development and mastering new knowledge. Behbudi's social activism, his fight for human rights and his openness to new knowledge demonstrate the importance of participating in public life and defending one's own beliefs. His approach, based on a synthesis of tradition and modernity, teaches us to look for innovative solutions, combining respect for cultural heritage with a thirst for innovation.

Behbudi's legacy is not a frozen monument of the past, but a living source of wisdom illuminating the path to the future. By educating young people on its ideals, Uzbekistan is building a society where every young person can become a creator, a patriot and a worthy successor to the work of their great ancestors.

And as Behbudi himself said, rights are not given, but won. And today this struggle is being waged for the minds and hearts of a new generation, ready for great achievements.

Pravda Vostoka newspaper