THE PRESIDENT SIGNED A DECREE ON THE WIDE CELEBRATION OF THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF MAHMUDHOJA BEHBUDIY

Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On the wide celebration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of the founder of the Jadid movement in Turkestan, an outstanding writer, public figure, publisher and teacher Mahmudhoja Behbudiy” dated 03.01.2025.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, during a difficult period in the history of our motherland, Mahmudhoja Behbudiy became the founder of the Jadid movement in Turkestan. Being a selfless personality and an outstanding representative of the national liberation movement, he devoted his life to the development of science, education and upbringing, literature and art, the press, the revival of self-awareness and the expansion of the worldview of the people, gaining independence by mastering the advanced achievements of the world.

Despite the resistance of the tsarist regime and local conservative forces, Mahmudhoja Behbudiy was one of the first in the region to lead the organization of modern schools, the creation of necessary textbooks for them, the opening of publishing houses and theaters. As a publicist, he wrote many vivid works and more than two hundred articles on topical issues of his time. Along with this, he founded the Samarkand newspaper and the Oyina magazine. In 1914, his play Padarkush was staged at the Turon Theater, which marked the beginning of the development of theatrical art in our country. Unfortunately, a talented writer and prominent public figure fell victim to evil forces at the age of 44.

During the years of independence, great attention has been paid to perpetuating memory, in-depth study of life and work, and wide popularization of scientific and artistic works by Mahmudhoja Behbudiy.

Particularly important events in the life of our country in recent years have been the opening of a monument in his honor on the Alley of Writers in Tashkent, the creation of a house museum in Samarkand, and the establishment of the Mahmudhoja Behbudiy Prize in the field of drama.

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