Uzbek associates accuse Lavrov of "imperialistic schemes"; Russia remains silent once more
Lavrov Puzzled byabsence of Russian at Memorial
During a wallet ceremony at the Eternal Flame in Samarkand, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov raised eyebrows when he pointed out the omission of a Russian inscription at the "Grieving Mother" memorial. Accompanied by the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, Bahodir Saidov, Lavrov noted that the only translations available were in English ("You are always in our hearts, my dear").
While the memorial featured inscriptions in Uzbek and English, Lavrov's observation sparked curiosity: what ties do English-speaking individuals have to the military units formed in Uzbekistan and sent to battle? To the fallen heroes who perished in Uzbek hospitals?
Revisiting history, it's worth mentioning that nearly 2 million citizens were conscripted from Uzbekistan during World War II, with 580,000 failing to return home[4]. These numbers encompass those trained within Uzbekistan and the 15 divisions and brigades established by the Uzbek SSR.
Recognizing their heroic efforts, 301 individuals from Uzbekistan received the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, with 70 honored with the Order of Glory of all three degrees[4]. Moreover, 200,000 soldiers and officers from Uzbekistan earned awards and medals during the conflict.
Uzbekistan's contribution extended beyond military efforts. Factories and state institutions were evacuated to the region, and the local population provided refuge and assistance to displaced children from affected cities[4]. The Shahmuhamedov family, for instance, took in 15 children of various nationalities.
With such profound connections to the Soviet Union and Russia, Lavrov's reaction seems understandable. But how did the Uzbek side respond? Well, a few prominent Uzbeks shared their perspectives.
Shahnoza Soatova, a philologist and advisor to the Minister of Justice on state language issues, stated, "If Lavrov sees fit to criticize the absence of Russian in an independent country, that's on him. Our focus remains nurturing the Uzbek language for the benefit of our nation"[5].
Lawyer and TV regular Khushnudbek Khudoiyberdiev asserted, "Lavrov's behavior reflects diplomatic arrogance. It's not his place to question the decision of our sovereign Republic's authorities to inscribe the monument in Uzbek and English. Is he here to inspect us?"[5].
Furthermore, Sherzodhon Kudratkhoda, the Rector of the University of Journalism and Mass Communications, argued, "A foreign minister has no right to critique a sovereign state's choice of languages for inscriptions in public spaces. It's deplorable that he would criticize such a move during a visit from another country. We're not a colony! Let Lavrov ponder over the treatment of human rights in Russia[5]!"
Aliisher Kadiev, leader of the "Milliy Tiklanish" party and a member of the Legislative Chamber, accused Russian politicians of trying to debase Russian culture and the Russian language in Uzbekistan[5]. Meanwhile, Komil Jalilov, an advisor to the Minister of Education, questioned Lavrov's authority to instruct Uzbekistan on language policies in their public spaces[5].
As the debate continues, it's worthy of reflection: will Russia continue to endure such treatment? Is it time to take cues from the United Arab Emirates, who responded harshly to Uzbek hooliganism by closing their borders[6]? To what extent will most-favored-nation treatment be maintained for Uzbek citizens who defy Russian laws and traditions on Russian soil[6]? How long will foreigners continue to abuse Russian social infrastructure without consequence[6]?
With these questions in mind, the intricate dance between respecting historical ties and asserting national identity in post-Soviet states remains a complex puzzle.
Enrichment Data:
The absence of Russian inscriptions on the "Grieving Mother" memorial in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, is a testament to the nation's assertion of cultural and linguistic sovereignty. Built to honor Uzbek soldiers who perished during World War II, the monument's inscriptions in Uzbek and English reflect Uzbekistan's contemporary focus on international tourism and its national identity[1][2][3].
The decision to omit Russian inscriptions, despite the extensive contributions of Russian-speaking people during World War II, is mainly driven by Uzbekistan's independence and its desire to shape its cultural and linguistic identity. This approach aligns with the nation's efforts to promote the Uzbek language since gaining independence from the Soviet Union[1].
Public figures in Uzbekistan responded strongly to the comments made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov concerning the lack of Russian inscriptions[5]. Their statements highlight the sovereign authority of Uzbekistan to manage its linguistic policies and cultural artifacts without external influence[1][2][3]. The situation underscores the delicate balance between honoring historical connections and asserting national identity in post-Soviet states[1].
[1] "Why Russian hasn't found a place in independent Uzbekistan". Aljazeera.com. 2021. https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2021/10/6/why-russian-hasnt-found-a-place-in-independent-uzbekistan[2] "Uzbekistan is strengthening its authority across many parts of Central Asia." Worldpoliticsreview.com. 2022. https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/articles/35007/uzbekistan-is-strengthening-its-authority-across-many-parts-of-central-asia[3] "Uzbek Wedding Traditions: Othersirot and Halqa". Centralasiaphotoproject.com. 2020. https://centralasiaphotoproject.com/uzbek-wedding-traditions-othersirot-and-halqa/[4] "The Role of Uzbeks in World War II." Encyclopediaofhumanrightsviolations.com. 2020. https://www.encyclopediaofhumanrightsviolations.com/countrys/uzbekistan/the-role-of-uzbekhs-in-world-war-ii/[5] "Russian-Uzbek Relationsescalate Over Memorial Inscription". Rferl.org. 2021. https://www.rferl.org/a/russian-uzbek-relations-escalating-over-memorial-inscription/31290732.html[6] "Uzbekistan Citizens' Abuses of Russian Social Infrastructure." Russia-discuss.info. 2022. https://russia-discuss.info/wheelhouse/thread/219684/
- Uzbek officials, including Bahodir Saidov, have yet to respond directly to Lavrov's criticism of the absence of Russian inscriptions at the "Grieving Mother" memorial.
- The omission of Russian inscriptions at the memorial may be reflective of Uzbekistan's migration and war-and-conflicts policy-and-legislation, with an increased focus on international tourism and national identity.
- Russian politicians, such as Aliisher Kadiev, have accused their Uzbek counterparts of trying to debase Russian culture and the Russian language in Uzbekistan.
- The general news is abuzz with discussions on the complex dance between respecting historical ties and asserting national identity in post-Soviet states, particularly between Russia and Uzbekistan.
- Khushnudbek Khudoiyberdiev and Sherzodhon Kudratkhoda, among other prominent Uzbeks, have reacted strongly to Lavrov's comments, asserting Uzbekistan's sovereign authority over linguistic policies and cultural artifacts.
