The Educational Policy in Soviet Uzbekistan and its Impact on Social Life (1924–1991)

Abstract

This article examines the educational policy implemented in Soviet Uzbekistan between 1924 and 1991 and its profound impact on social, cultural, and political life. During the Soviet era, education became a powerful tool for ideological transformation, national identity construction, and social mobility. The establishment of a unified educational system aimed at eradicating illiteracy, promoting Russian language and culture, and instilling socialist values significantly reshaped Uzbek society. While the reforms contributed to mass literacy, professional training, and the integration of women into education, they also led to cultural assimilation and the weakening of traditional educational institutions such as maktabs and madrasas. The study highlights the dual role of Soviet educational policy as both a mechanism of modernization and a means of ideological control.