A fitting gift for Uzbekistan’s 35th Independence anniversary: Kemal Yavuz Ataman’s book “The Uzbekistan I Know” is published

As a fitting gift for our country’s 35th Independence anniversary, the book “The Uzbekistan I Know” by renowned Turkish scholar Kemal Yavuz Ataman has been published. The work was prepared in Uzbek and Turkish within the “Ambassadors of Enlightenment” project, carried out jointly by the Republican Center for Spirituality and Enlightenment, the “Ma’rifat” Propagators Society, and the Institute of Social and Spiritual Research.

The presentation was attended by leaders and representatives of state and public organizations, scholars, academicians, intellectuals, writers and translators, members of the diplomatic corps, media professionals, students, and the wider public.

As emphasized at the event, the book is not only a scholarly and educational work about Uzbekistan, but also an important academic source reflecting our country’s history, culture, and modern development through the eyes of a foreign scholar.

In the book, the author presents his impartial observations and scholarly conclusions on the large-scale reforms led by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan, state policy centered on human dignity, socio-economic renewal, reforms serving public wellbeing, and the country’s standing on the international stage.

The volume brings together the author’s many visits to Uzbekistan since 1991, scientific expeditions across regions, archival research, and sincere conversations with state and public figures, scholars, intellectuals, and ordinary people.

The book has two parts. The first covers the civilization of Mawarannahr; the place of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Termez, and Shakhrisabz in world civilization; the rich scholarly and spiritual heritage of great thinkers; contributions to Islamic civilization; Sufi schools; and historical ties among Turkic peoples. The second is devoted to New Uzbekistan’s development model: public administration reforms, economic liberalization, investment policy, digital transformation, changes in education and science, youth policy, gender equality, civil society institutions, and the country’s active role in Central Asian integration and global affairs.

Published in Uzbek and Turkish, the book helps strengthen cultural and educational cooperation between the two fraternal peoples, deepen mutual understanding, and share accurate information about Uzbekistan with the international community.

During the presentation, participants discussed the book’s scholarly value and its role in conveying Uzbekistan’s rich history, national-spiritual heritage, and present development path to foreign audiences. The author’s contribution to scientific, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation between Uzbekistan and Türkiye was specially acknowledged.

Background: Kemal Yavuz Ataman is a lawyer, political scientist, Orientalist, writer, and public figure. He is the author of numerous studies on globalization, Mawarannahr civilization, Sufism, Navoi studies, and the history, culture, and civilization of Turkic peoples.

For many years he has actively advanced scholarly and educational cooperation between Uzbekistan and Türkiye, translating and publishing the heritage of Uzbek scholars and thinkers into Turkish, and taking part in joint conferences and cultural projects.

“The Uzbekistan I Know,” as a scholarly and educational work grounded in an impartial foreign perspective, helps present our country’s history, cultural heritage, national values, and the comprehensive reforms of New Uzbekistan to an international audience. It is especially significant for strengthening strategic partnership, cultural diplomacy, and educational ties between Uzbekistan and Türkiye.