The politics of memory in Samarkand in post-Soviet period

Samarkand's post-Soviet memory politics reflect a strategic shift toward emphasizing ethnic and religious tolerance, positioning the city as a pivotal site in Islamic history and the birthplace of Uzbekistan's first president, Islam Karimov. This study reveals how central authorities, under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's leadership, reshaped Samarkand's identity through selective memory practices—highlighting historical figures, monuments, shrines, and renamed streets—to foster national cohesion and international relations. The analysis examines the interplay between state directives and local cultural elites in redefining Samarkand's past, demonstrating how urban landscapes serve as tools for nation-building.

Malikov, A. (2018). The politics of memory in Samarkand in post-Soviet period. International Journal of Modern Anthropology, 2(11), 127. https://doi.org/10.4314/ijma.v2i11.6