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Abstract:

There are certain difficulties in applying classical and modern studies of the phenomenon of national identity using the example of Uzbekistan. The global crisis of identity is particularly evident in traditional societies like Uzbekistan, which has its own unique characteristics. The modern identity crisis, influenced by Islam, is fundamentally altering the historical statehood of Uzbekistan, which was traditionally based on a strong relationship between religious and national identity.

The culture of the Uzbeks has been shaped for over thousand years under the influence of the Hanafi tradition. Despite societal modernization, the economic, spiritual, and political structures are still based on a mental program formed from the harmony of faith and religion. It's important to note that in Uzbekistan, the religious phenomenon dominates over the national identity. While religion itself remains unchanged, the cultural elements influenced by its principles evolve over time. Modern Islam is transforming the lifestyle, dress, customs, public administration, and even the mindset of the population. Therefore, the topic of Hanafism is not just a religious or historical matter, but also a modern one.

In the early and middle ages, religious and national identity had a proportional correlation in Central Asia. However, there are significant differences between the secular traditions of national statehood and those influenced by global Islam. Due to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Uzbekistan's geopolitical position is increasing in the new policy directed towards Central Asia by global powers. As a result, state administration systems are promoting religious identity based on traditions such as jurisprudence of Islam, Sufism, and rational Islamic theology while rejecting those influenced by Islamic cosmopolitanism. The new constitution adopted in 2023 includes principles of a social and secular state aimed at strengthening national statehood and managing the Islamic factor through state laws.

The Third Renaissance policy, implemented since 2022, aims to restore historical identity elements and preserve the national context. This is particularly important given that around 60% of the population is youth whose religious consciousness is different from historical mental elements. This could pose challenges for integrating youth into the national state policy of religious identity in the future.

In general, the society of Uzbekistan is experiencing a process of identity crisis in managing and maintaining statehood in the era of complex social chaos. This problem has been understood today during the years of independence of Uzbekistan and is a topic that is being seriously considered as a matter of social consciousness.