Political Organizations of Russian Turkestan at the Beginning of the 20th Century

What is it about?

The article highlights the most important aspects of the political history of Russian Turkestan at the beginning of the 20th century. It deals with the formation of a multi-party system in the Russian Empire and the activities of the first national political organizations in the Central Asian region. The author reveals the underpinnings of a national movement taking place under the colonial regime. The article analyzes the main provisions of the political programs of all-Russian parties and national organizations, such as Shuroi-Islomiya, Alash, Shuroi-Ulamo, Turk Adami Markaziyat Firkasi (Party of Turkic Federalists), and others. Sections examine the origins of the ideological confrontation between progressive Jadids and Muslim traditionalists, and provide a brief history of the formation, and ensuing liquidation, of Turkestan as an autonomous entity. Despite the existence of ideological differences in the national movement, the author uncovers how many representatives of national political organizations were devoted to the idea of independence and sought a way out of cultural isolationism.

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Why is it important?

After Uzbekistan gained national independence in 1991, the leaders of the state announced the need to build a new democratic political system based on various institutions, be they non-governmental and public organizations. This was carried out to ensure the wide participation of citizens in managing the affairs of the state and society. Uzbekistan as a Socialist Republic, like the others in the former Soviet Union, had experienced a rather long period of domination under the one-party system in its history. This of course could not but affect the public consciousness and lifestyle of many Uzbeks. The Soviets established and perpetuated the total power of the state and single party system over the individual. The legal vulnerability of citizens, and the suppression of any dissent in the country caused a feeling of hopelessness in many people. Many desired to distance themselves from real life, which contributed to the increase in the number of so-called political “outsiders” and provoked social pessimism. Unfortunately, in recent days we find these same relapses in the public consciousness, and the Soviet past continues to persist to some extent. All this, of course, affects the character and pace of modernization of modern Uzbek society. Meanwhile, the circumstances today are understood by many. The country announced its aims to build a strong civil society, which implies the formation of a real multi-party system. Everything said above actualizes the problem of studying the history of the formation and activities of political parties and organizations on the territory of modern Uzbekistan. This article attempts to highlight some earlier aspects of the socio-political history of this region related to the functioning of the first national and all-Russian political associations at the beginning of the 20th-century. By analyzing the main ideological and programmatic guidelines of these organizations, as well as the practical experience of their activities during the very difficult and dramatic conditions of that time, we can learn important lessons impacting current processes of formation and development in the modern political parties of Uzbekistan.