"We've made a big leap forward in the economy, but not yet in spirituality" — Shavkat Mirziyoyev

Shavkat Mirziyoyev: "We've made a major breakthrough in the economy, but not yet in spirituality."

On August 28, the eve of the country's 35th anniversary of independence, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Alley of Martyrs of the Dead and proposed developing a new system for perpetuating the memory of compatriots who suffered from political repression and gave their lives for the country.

"We are celebrating the 35th anniversary of our independence in such a free, peaceful, and calm atmosphere. Our people, seeing how turbulent the world has become today, understand what a great blessing peace is," Shavkat Mirziyoyev remarked in a report on the Uzbekistan 24 television channel.

According to the president, in recent years, the authorities have stepped up efforts to perpetuate the memory of the victims of political repression: books are being published, events are being held, decrees and resolutions are being passed. He proposed extending this work to those who suffered during the so-called "cotton case" of the 1980s.

"At the same time, I would like to say one more thing today. In the 1980s, many people suffered as a result of the so-called 'cotton case.' In essence, they also became victims of political repression. Books must be written about them, their [good names] must be restored," the head of state stated.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev also drew attention to citizens who died after independence. "During the years of independence, there were also representatives of law enforcement agencies who sacrificed their lives. During the pandemic, our doctors also sacrificed themselves—for the sake of peace in the Motherland, for the well-being of the people," the president said.

He proposed holding annual events with the participation of the families of the victims, organizing competitions dedicated to them, publishing books and works, and developing a separate program. "Let's create a new program so that from this perspective, people understand the value of these days, a new movement." By this I mean education—against ignorance,” the head of state emphasized.

The president specifically focused on spiritual and educational work. According to him, economic development must be accompanied by changes in education and public awareness. “We have made a huge leap forward in the economy, but we have not yet been able to achieve the same in spirituality,” Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated.

He stated that the time has come to intensify efforts to explain the value of independence and peace, involving the older generation, religious leaders, and citizens performing the Hajj. According to the president, approximately 15,000 citizens of Uzbekistan perform the Hajj annually.

“I always say: they are people of spirituality. We must strive to utilize them correctly. We need to reexamine all these issues, build a different system, and, if necessary, reach out to schools. Let's make a new decision that includes the participation of the older generation and the ulema in fostering respect and reverence for the Motherland, and a caring attitude toward it,” he said.

The President noted that high academic achievement in schoolchildren is insufficient without instilling a sense of national dignity and responsibility to the country. "A young person's knowledge of mathematics and economics may be excellent at school, but if new demands are placed on spirituality, national pride, and a sense of pride for the country, then a ideologically strong, energetic, independent, selfless, and patriotic citizen will make fewer mistakes," said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

He proposed creating a system that would help society value peace and stability more deeply, strengthen national pride, and more widely publicize the stories of those who sacrificed their lives. "If we create a system that more fully promotes national pride, national identity, and our dignity, allows us to appreciate today's peace and tranquility, and speak of the example of our ancestors who gave their lives, I think that would be the right thing to do," the President said.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Shahidlar Khotirasi Alley on August 28. Representatives of government and public organizations, the elderly, religious figures, and intellectuals participated in the ceremony commemorating the victims of repression.

Between 2021 and 2025, the Supreme Court rehabilitated more than 1,200 Uzbek residents who were victims of political repression. In 2026, another 161 people who had been illegally sentenced to various prison terms or the death penalty during the Soviet regime were acquitted.

The authorities are paying special attention to the events of the 1980s. Between 1983 and 1990, 40,000 Uzbek residents were prosecuted in the so-called "cotton" and "Uzbek" cases, and approximately 5,000 were charged with criminal offenses.

During the ceremony, Shavkat Mirziyoyev also stated that, amid the rise of armed conflicts and political confrontation worldwide, Uzbekistan should especially value peace and internal harmony. "Our path is the path of peace, friendship, and cooperation. “Uzbekistan will never deviate from this path,” the president said.