Uzbekistan: A Century-Old Dream Comes True

On Saturday afternoon, we invite you to a discussion about Uzbekistan — a country that has traveled a complex political and social path from a Soviet republic to an independent state.

We will explore the key stages of this journey: from Turkestan to Uzbekistan; the national liberation movement and accelerated modernization during the Soviet period; the republic’s role as “Moscow’s cotton plantation” and the formation of modern society; as well as the declaration of independence, authoritarian rule, and internal conflicts.

Karakalpakstan — we will discuss this autonomous region within Uzbekistan, the independence movement, its causes, prospects, and the nuances of a possible future.

We will also focus on key figures and events of recent history:

• Islam Karimov — the first president of independent Uzbekistan, who ruled for more than 25 years and built a rigid system of personal power.
• Andijan — the bloody turning point of 2005, when mass protests were violently suppressed, becoming a symbol of repression and international isolation.
• Shavkat Mirziyoyev — Karimov’s successor, associated with cautious reforms, partial liberalization, and attempts to redefine relations between the state and society.

The meeting will be led by historian Vadim Lifshits and Uzbek citizen Rahim Mutkarimov.