Shavkat Mirziyoyev visits Martyrs' Memorial Avenue (photo report)

Today, August 31, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited Martyrs' Memorial Avenue, as reported by the President's press service.

August 31 is a day dedicated to commemorating the victims of repression. To mark this occasion, representatives from state and public organizations, as well as intellectuals, gathered at Martyrs' Memorial Avenue, where President Mirziyoyev participated in the ceremony.

During the event, the Qur'an was recited in honor of the ancestors, and a traditional meal was served.

"I hope that this ceremony, coinciding with Independence Day, will ensure that national holidays are remembered with reverence. This reflects our enduring devotion to the Motherland, and we believe that no good deed will go unnoticed," the report stated.

The Qur'an was also recited near the symbolic grave along the avenue, where discussions centered on restoring historical truth and educating the youth.

"On the eve of Independence Day, in these times of peace and freedom, it is both our duty and our debt to remember the pure names of our heroic forebears and honor their blessed memories. We are restoring the legacy of our compatriots who have passed away. The noble slogan 'Man is dear, memory is sacred' is gaining prominence in our lives. We are constructing Tabarruk memorial complexes, creating artistic and scientific works, and preparing 'Memory' books. International conferences are being held. In the past three years, we have cleared the names of over 1,200 victims of political repression. This signifies that justice will prevail, and the truth will continue to be celebrated," President Mirziyoyev stated.

At last year's ceremony, Shavkat Mirziyoyev gave instructions on identifying the victims of repression in the area and expanding research in this regard.

Based on this, on July 19 of this year, the President's decision "On expanding the work on studying, promoting and perpetuating the memory of our compatriots who were victims of political repression" was adopted. By it, a republican commission for coordination of these works was formed, and several official organizations were attached under the leadership of the Ministry of Defense.

The President elaborated on the nature and purpose of this decision:

"Until now, a complete list of victims of repression has not been compiled. However, behind each name on this list is a human story. The life of every compatriot who was martyred or persecuted is a testament to heroism. Thus, we have placed special emphasis on identifying these victims, studying their lives, and restoring historical truth. Their names will be recorded in the multi-volume book 'Victims of Repression' and the symbolic book to be established in this complex. Unfortunately, we have not fully explored all available information, even in our archives and abroad. Therefore, scientific expeditions will be organized. From now on, the first week of October will be dedicated to commemorating victims of political repression.

Why this timing? Because between October 4-16, 1938, 507 Uzbek political prisoners were sentenced, including prominent intellectuals like Fitrat, Cholpon, Abdulla Kadiri, Khudoybergan Devonov, and other distinguished figures. They were executed on October 4, with sentences pronounced on October 5.

This date remains one of the darkest in our nation's history. We must observe this week with great preparation and solidarity," President Mirziyoyev emphasized.

According to the decision, meetings, various exhibitions and contests, and film screenings on this topic will be held during this week. Governors of regions, districts, and cities, heads of ministries and departments, and other responsible persons will visit the houses where the victims of repression lived and hear from their descendants.

The Prime Minister has been tasked with overseeing the organization and execution of these initiatives.

Recent years have seen the reconstruction of the "Memorial of Repression Victims" museum in Tashkent, alongside the establishment of similar museums in the Republic of Karakalpakstan and various regions. Museums in Andijan, Bukhara, Karshi, and Fergana are particularly notable.

The President underscored the need to continue these important efforts and to further familiarize the public with unique documents and exhibits related to the life of the Jadids.

"While significant progress has been made in recent times, including the identification of many previously unknown names and the release of related books and films, there is still much work to be done. Comprehensive research is needed, and all intellectuals, researchers, and human rights defenders are encouraged to contribute to this cause. This should become a nationwide movement," Mirziyoyev stated.

The importance of financial incentives for researchers, the disclosure of archival information, and effective communication of history to young people was also highlighted.

"Why are we establishing the Imam Bukhari Museum and using historical films? Because history itself is the greatest teacher. Our youth should learn about our history from our sources, not from others. We need to enhance this foundation, present it engagingly through social networks, and instill it in society. Educating the younger generation in this way will help us stay true to our chosen path," President Shavkat Mirziyoyev concluded.