New Sources And Approaches In The Study Of The History Of Uzbekistan’s Independence Period
Xudoyberdiyeva Mohiniso
By: Xudoyberdiyeva Mohiniso
Abstract.
This article analyzes the importance of new sources and scientific approaches in studying the history of Uzbekistan during the independence period. It examines the stages of development of historical science after independence, as well as research conducted on the basis of newly discovered archival materials, foreign sources, and digital information systems. The article also highlights new conceptual perspectives in historical studies — the role of national interests, historical memory, and spiritual revival. Historical-analytical and source study methods were applied to identify the process of forming historiography during the independence period and its differences from Soviet-era approaches. As a result, it is proven that the use of new sources and approaches in studying the history of Uzbekistan’s independence period allows for a deeper and more objective understanding of national history.
Keywords: independence period, historiography, new sources, archival documents, national history, scientific approach, historical memory.
Introduction.
After Uzbekistan gained independence, the study of national history and its objective interpretation became a matter of state policy. During the Soviet era, many branches of historical science developed under ideological pressure, and the history of the Uzbek people was presented in a one-sided and biased manner. Independence brought new life to historical science, creating opportunities to study it based on fresh sources and approaches. Today, the study of the history of the independence period in Uzbekistan’s historiography has become not only the collection of historical facts but also their analysis in connection with national values, the idea of independence, and the processes of spiritual revival. The period of independence marked a turning point in the development of national historical science. From that time onward, independent thinking, national interests, and the restoration of historical memory became among the key directions in historical research. During the Soviet era, historiography was under strict ideological control, which led to a distorted portrayal of many historical events, figures, and processes. Independence eliminated these restrictions, enabling historians to apply new perspectives, sources, and methodologies. In modern Uzbek historiography, the study and analysis of the independence period are based on contemporary scientific approaches such as historical-analytical, comparative, and source-study methods. At the same time, newly available archival materials, foreign diplomatic correspondence, press publications, oral history, and digital sources have provided deeper insight into the nation’s history. Furthermore, national interests, historical memory, and the idea of independence are gaining a stronger place in historical interpretation, reflecting that Uzbek historiography has entered a new stage where history is viewed not only as the past but also as a spiritual foundation for the nation’s development.
Main part. The post-independence period marked a new stage in the development of historical science in Uzbekistan. First and foremost, ideological restrictions in studying history were abandoned, giving way to the principles of scientific objectivity, historical truth, and national interest. Historians now have the opportunity to interpret their nation’s past from a national perspective and to conduct independent analyses. Therefore, the historiography of the independence period has developed not only new sources but also new approaches. Firstly, the importance of newly opened archival materials significantly increased. During the years of independence, many previously closed archives were made accessible, cooperation with foreign institutions was established, and new documents were introduced into scholarly circulation. For example, materials from the Central State Archive of Uzbekistan, the Presidential Archive, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs Archive have provided a basis for in-depth research on political, social, and economic processes from 1991 to 2021. In addition, archival sources preserved in Turkey, Russia, the United States, and European countries have enriched the study of Uzbekistan’s history with new data. Secondly, methodological renewal has occurred in historical research. While Soviet historiography focused mainly on class struggle and Marxist interpretations, the modern approach emphasizes national interests, historical memory, and spiritual values. Methods such as historical-analytical, comparative, source-study, and sociological approaches are widely used. Moreover, the oral history method has become an important tool, incorporating the testimonies of eyewitnesses of the independence period — politicians, intellectuals, and ordinary citizens — as valuable historical sources. Thirdly, the field of digital historiography has emerged. The development of information technologies has enabled the digitization of historical data and the creation of electronic archives and databases. This provides researchers with opportunities to work remotely with historical materials, systematically analyze, and compare them. For instance, projects such as the “National Archive Fund,” “Uzbekistan History Portal,” and the “Electronic Database of Historical Documents” serve as essential sources for academic studies. Fourthly, the process of integration with foreign historiography has become an important factor in studying the history of the independence period. Today, Uzbek historians are conducting joint research with scientific centers in Turkey, the USA, South Korea, Russia, and European countries. This contributes to studying the history of Uzbekistan in close connection with global historical processes. Fifthly, new ideological perspectives have developed in interpreting history. History is no longer seen solely as a description of past events but as a field that explores the spiritual, political, and cultural development of society. In this regard, such concepts as “national revival,” “spiritual renewal,” and “values of independence” are becoming increasingly significant in modern historiography. The period of independence has brought a new scientific spirit to Uzbek historiography. New sources, methodologies, international cooperation, and digital opportunities have opened a new chapter in the development of historical science. As a result, the history of Uzbekistan over the last thirty years is now being studied more deeply, objectively, and in a national spirit.
Conclusion. The emergence of new sources and approaches in studying the history of Uzbekistan’s independence period has given new direction to historical science. Independence liberated the study of history from ideological constraints, allowing it to develop on the basis of scientific truth and national interests. Newly available archival documents, foreign sources, oral history, and digital technologies provide opportunities for deeper and more objective analysis of the past. Moreover, the growing emphasis on national values, spiritual revival, and the idea of independence in historiography deserves attention. Today, history is viewed not only as a means of remembering the past but also as a vital field for the development of society, the strengthening of national identity, and statehood. The introduction of new scientific perspectives and sources in studying the history of Uzbekistan plays an important role in strengthening historical memory, fostering national pride, and promoting the understanding of independence values among the younger generation. Therefore, the study of the history of the independence period will continue to deepen and remain one of the main directions of national historiography.
Xudoyberdiyeva Mohiniso was born on May 22, 2006, in Denov district, Surxondaryo region.
She is currently a second-year student at the Faculty of History, Denov Institute of Entrepreneurship and Pedagogy.
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