Actual Issues of Interethnic Relations in Uzbekistan (on the example of the late of 1980s and the early of 1990s of the XX century)

Abstract

This article focuses on the important aspects of social science, in particular the study of national-ethnic relations and processes that are related to the matters of interethnic relations, the improvement and development of the ethnic policy. National and ethnic conflicts in the 1980’s of the 20th century, one of the most important factors of the collapse of the former USSR, and their causes and consequences were analyzed in the context of the 1989 events in Uzbekistan. Also, the deportation of Meskhetian Turks living in the Georgian SSR from their habitations to Central Asia during the Second World War, and efforts of Meskhetian Turks to return to their homeland is covered. The author pointed out that during the 1980's of the 20th century, Meskhetian Turks’ movement to their homeland had been hindered by the former center [Moscow] and used their attempt  for their political motives. The article mentions the serious causes and consequences of national relations in Uzbekistan, which was part of the former USSR in 1989. In particular, in 1989, the clashes between the Uzbeks and the Meskhetian Turks in the Fergana Valley of Uzbekistan were analyzed and the factors causing this conflict. The author cited a number of arguments in the article that the relationship between the Uzbek and Meskhetian Turks was artificially eroded. He also proposed to study the events of 1989 in separate regional and periodic stages. The article outlines the measures taken since the first days of independence in Uzbekistan to improve interethnic relations and, consequently, stabilize the socio-political situation in the country. It has also been pointed out that all nationalities have equal rights in the national policy developed during the years of independence. Measures to improve interethnic relations during the years of independence of Uzbekistan have been illustrated by examples of national-cultural centers that have been set up to meet national needs. As well as the Strategy of action of the perspective development of Uzbekistan for 2017-2021 has been developed and on the basis of this the project concept of priority directions of inter-ethnic policy in the field of interethnic relations was developed and the tasks of scientific and research works that are devoted to develop and harmonize the friendship relations with foreign countries are highlighted. The article focuses on the study of ethnic processes and interethnic relations.

Keywords: interethnic relations, deportation, national issue, political interest, ethnic unity, new national policy, Fergana events, strategy of action.