HISTORY AND PROSPECTS OF ISLAMIC EDUCATION SYSTEM IN UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

The article examines the historical development, transformation, and current state of Islamic education in Uzbekistan, tracing its roots from the medieval “Higher Madrasahs” of Mawaraunnahr to contemporary institutions under the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan. It highlights the continuity of religious and secular knowledge despite the challenges posed by the Soviet atheistic regime, the role of SADUM and influential figures such as the Babakhan muftis in preserving educational traditions, and the restructuring of religious education after independence. The study analyzes the curricula, textbooks, organizational structure, and achievements of institutions such as the Mir Arab Madrasah, Barak Khan Madrasah, Tashkent Islamic Institute, and new specialized centers established under the initiatives of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The research emphasizes the integration of secular and religious sciences, the training of highly qualified specialists, and the role of modern Islamic educational institutions in fostering national identity, tolerance, and universal values. The findings provide insights into the continuity, reform, and modernization of Islamic education in Uzbekistan, offering a framework for understanding its prospects and challenges in the 21st century.