If Uzbekistan did not become Syria, it is due to the wise policy of Islam Karimov – Lola Karimova

If the tragedies faced by several Middle Eastern countries, including Syria, bypassed Uzbekistan, it was thanks to the wise policy and firm leadership of the First President of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov. His youngest daughter, Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva, said this in a video message on Instagram marking the ninth anniversary of her father’s death.

She noted that she did not want to share a personal memory about her father, as many might expect, saying she was not ready for that yet. However, she emphasized that with time she has come to understand more deeply how correct her father had been, even in giving her personal advice.

“Today, I would like to express my gratitude to all those who remember our First President with love and sincerity. I thank you all. I know that many expect a personal story from me, as usual. But I am not ready to share it, because this story is still ongoing. I only want to say that today I understand even more how right my father was, even when advising me on my personal life. Perhaps I will tell this story another time,” said Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva.

She added that she wanted to remember her father’s work, his memory, the path he took in the early years of Uzbekistan’s independence, and his far-sighted leadership.

“Looking at the world today, I understand even better how correct he was in many of his decisions. I think many people will agree with me. At the same time, I see that sometimes attempts are made to diminish his policies and legacy. But I say with firm conviction: our First President saved Uzbekistan from internal wars and conflicts. If the tragedies that struck some Middle Eastern countries, including Syria and other neighbors, bypassed Uzbekistan, it was precisely because of his wise policy and decisive leadership. For this, we have the right to express our gratitude to him. I believe this is not just my opinion,” she stressed.

According to Karimova-Tillyaeva, there are many fake interviews and online trolls seeking to discredit Islam Karimov.

“These seem very ridiculous and insignificant, because no one can deny a person who has already found his place in history. Yes, he can be evaluated from different points of view, but the most important thing is that his actions brought Uzbekistan to where it is today,” she said.

She also expressed appreciation for the people who have regularly visited Islam Karimov’s mausoleum in Samarkand over the years and prayed for him.

“I consider the love and prayers of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of people, to be a worthy response to the care and affection he showed them during his lifetime. This love continues even after his death. Today, I once again express my gratitude to all of you. I remember him with fondness and pray for my father on the occasion of the ninth anniversary of his passing,” said Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva.

For reference, the First President of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov, died on September 2, 2016, as a result of an acute cerebral circulation disorder (stroke), which led to irreversible changes in the brain and multi-organ failure.

Following his death, his widow Tatyana Akbarovna Karimova, together with her youngest daughter Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva, founded the Republican Charity Public Foundation named after Islam Karimov. Lola later left all her positions and businesses in Uzbekistan and moved to the United States.

The eldest daughter, Gulnara Karimova, remains in custody on several charges. One of Karimov’s granddaughters, Maryam Tillyaeva, lives in Tashkent, while Iman Karimova frequently visits the city. Gulnara’s son, Islam, has not returned to Uzbekistan since his grandfather’s death and currently resides in London, where he is married.