Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  31 August marks the Day of Remembrance for Victims of Repression. In connection with this, representatives of government and public organizations, as well as members of the older generation and intellectuals, gathered at the "Shahidlar Khotirasi" alley.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in the ceremony.

Verses from the Quran were recited in memory of the ancestors, and pilaf was served.

Holding this ceremony simultaneously with the celebration of Independence Day deeply touches the heart. It signifies that no matter how much time passes, devotion to the homeland is always honored, and no good deed goes unnoticed.

At the symbolic tombstone in the park, the Quran was also recited. A discussion was held about restoring historical truth and educating the youth in this spirit.

"In the run-up to Independence Day, during these peaceful and free days, remembering the names of our heroic ancestors and honoring their sacred memory is both our duty and responsibility," said Shavkat Mirziyoyev. "Therefore, we are restoring the honor and dignity of our compatriots. The noble motto ‘Man is dear, memory is sacred’ has firmly established itself in our lives. We are building memorial complexes. Educational institutions, mahallas, museums, parks, and alleys named after our enlightened ancestors are being created. The work we have started on studying their heritage is reaching a new level. Artistic and scientific works, films on this topic are being created. Memory books are being prepared. International conferences are being held. Over the past three years, we have rehabilitated more than 1,200 victims of political repression. What does this mean? It means that justice cannot be broken, and truth will ultimately prevail."

At last year’s ceremony, the head of state gave instructions to identify victims of repression locally and expand research in this area.

On this basis, on 19 July 2024, the President signed a resolution "On expanding work to study the life and activities, and perpetuate the memory of compatriots who became victims of political repression." According to it, a republican commission was established to coordinate this work, with several responsible organizations under the leadership of the Ministry of Defense.

The head of state explained the essence and goals of this resolution:

"So far, a complete list of victims of repression has not been formed. Yet, behind every number on this list is a human fate. The life of every compatriot who perished or was repressed is heroism.

Therefore, in the resolution, we paid special attention to the issue of identifying victims of repression by name, studying and researching their exemplary lives. To restore historical truth, we will record their sacred names in a multi-volume book ‘Victims of Repression,’ as well as in the pages of a symbolic book that will be created in this complex. Unfortunately, we have not fully studied all the information on this issue in foreign countries, even in our archives. Therefore, it was decided to organize scientific expeditions in this direction. From now on, we will celebrate the first week of October in our country as the Week of Memory for Victims of Political Repression."

Why was this time chosen? Because on 4-16 October 1938, sentences were handed down to 507 Uzbek political prisoners. Among them, the most outstanding personalities were executed. The rest were sent into long-term exile.

Among those executed were prominent intellectuals such as Fitrat, Chulpan, Abdulla Qodiriy, Khudoybergan Devonov, the first Uzbek officers, the best specialists who received higher education in Germany, and well-known state and public figures. The most terrible thing is that they were executed on 4 October, and the sentence was passed on 5 October.

"This day is one of the black pages in our people’s history. Therefore, we must conduct this week with great preparation and unity," the President emphasized.

According to the resolution, meetings, various thematic exhibitions and competitions, and film screenings will be held throughout this week. Governors of regions, districts, and cities, heads of ministries and departments, and other responsible persons will visit the homes where the victims of repression lived and visit their descendants.

Memorial plaques will be installed in the houses where our selfless ancestors were born and raised. Memory Corners will be organized in the mahallas and schools where they lived.

Thus, people will learn about their fellow citizens who were subjected to repression. They will realize that independence is a great blessing acquired at the cost of heavy losses. They will understand what fateful days our people have experienced. With all their hearts, they will feel that even in the most challenging times, our devoted ancestors maintained their conscience and national identity.

The Prime Minister has been instructed to organize and monitor the implementation of these works.

As is known, in recent years, along with the reconstruction of the "Memory of Victims of Repression" museum in Tashkent, similar museums have been created in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and all regions. The museums in Andijan, Bukhara, Karshi, and Fergana deserve special attention.

The President stressed the need to continue such noble work and more broadly acquaint the public with unique documents and exhibits about the life of the Jadids.

"Yes, recently our work in this direction has reached a new level. Many unknown names have been identified. Books have been published, films made. But this is not enough.

It is important to conduct research within the mahallas so that the intelligentsia and representatives of the older generation, as well as human rights activists, contribute. This should become a value, a nationwide movement," the head of state said.

He emphasized the importance of materially incentivizing researchers, revealing archival data, and bringing history to the youth.

"Why are we creating the Imam Bukhari Museum? Why are we using historical films? Because the greatest school, the greatest education – is history itself. Our youth must know our history well, take examples from our ancestors, not from others. This must be conveyed to the youth in a language they understand, interestingly, through social networks. If we educate the younger generation in this spirit, we can decisively continue on the path we have chosen," the head of state said.

The growing threats in the world and the decline of such concepts as national identity, virtue, and values clearly demonstrate the significance of peace and tranquility in our country.

"Independence is the greatest mercy and blessing of the Almighty for our people and country. We must value every day, every year, and live with a sense of gratitude. If we do more good deeds, honoring our ancestors and improving the lives of the people, the Almighty will always open the way for us," the President said.

The memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the interests of the homeland was also honored. Prayers were offered asking the Almighty to protect our peaceful and calm country.