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Abstract

Within the Eastern intellectual elite, who were awakening in reaction to Western conquests since the 19th century, Jadidism became a relatively mature political, ideological and religious movement. It was a political doctrine that was periodically updated in accordance with the demands of the times, in terms of both conceptual views and national strategy. In light of the substantial body of research on the Jadidist movement, which is widely regarded as a significant national awakening phenomenon, it is imperative to continue examining its political and strategic methods and philosophy, which closely align with the spirit of the nation.

The beginning of the 20th century was a pivotal moment for the Turkic peoples of Central Asia, characterized by substantial economic and social changes linked to the region's transition to capitalism. During this period, the foundations of a national bourgeoisie began to form, contributing to increased economic activity and the emergence of new class structures. The Jadids emerged at a time when the historical territory of Turkestan was united for all the peoples of Central Asia, and all the materials of Jadidism reflected their political and ideological struggle for the independence of Turkestan. One of the most important aspects of this time was the emergence of a new philosophy and innovative ideas that spread actively among the Turkic peoples. These ideas, in particular, were devoted to the necessity of modernizing society, education, and culture.

In the current context of integration and a unified regional strategy for Central Asia within the framework of global development, there is a need for ideological teachings based on its roots and the mechanisms of national development. Being progressive at its core, Jadidism created a national strategic concept based on a synthesis of the experiences of countries that, at the time, were pursuing the most progressive paths of modernisation. This article analyses the importance of studying the political and strategic teachings of the Jadid movement and its role in the history of Central Asia.

Keywords: Jadidism, Turkestan, political strategy, decolonisation policy, post-Jadidism, identity, ideology.