THE ROLE OF TATAR-BASHKIR ENLIGHTENERS IN THE SOCIO-POLITICAL AND CULTURAL LIFE OF TURKESTAN (LATE 19TH – EARLY 20TH CENTURIES)

Abstract

The restoration of an honest and truthful history of the nation, our beloved land, and the territory of our state plays a vital role in the process of national self-awareness. Therefore, studying and knowing history is essential; there is no future without history. This article discusses the socio-political and spiritual life of Turkestan in the early 20th century. It examines the conditions in Turkestan during this period, the socio-political changes taking place, and public affairs in the region. History is our future; it is impossible to face the future without knowing the past, for the future begins today, and today begins with history. Furthermore, the article explores the ideas of the enlighteners of that era, their efforts toward unification, and the implementation of policies to modernize the region. The future of the Turkestan people depended primarily on the people themselves, their spiritual strength, and the creative power of their national consciousness. During this period, significant attention was paid to increasing the spiritual and intellectual growth potential of the nation, as spirituality and enlightenment have always been the most distinctive features of the Turkestan people throughout their long history.