Since 2001, every year on August 31, Uzbekistan celebrates the Day of Remembrance for Victims of Repression, established on the initiative of the first President of the Republic, Islam Karimov.
In 2001, also on the initiative of the head of state, one of the first museums in the CIS in memory of victims of repression was created in the memorial complex «Shohidlar Khotirasi» («In memory of victims of repression») in Tashkent. Its main task is to perpetuate the memory of the victims, conduct spiritual and educational events aimed at perpetuating and commemorating the victims of repression, and promote patriotism manifested in the actions of their ancestors.
The memory of the dead is sacred. It is necessary to educate the citizens of the country, especially the younger generation, in the spirit of respect for the memory of selfless ancestors who fought for the triumph of justice and independence.
In order to build a democratic state following the path of political and economic reforms, to stand on a par with the leading world powers, it is necessary to know its history as fully as possible. Study and analyze both its light and dark pages. And draw the necessary conclusions from the lessons of the past.
Of course, one of the most terrible trials that befell the people of Uzbekistan was the repression of the 20s of the 20th century; the «dekulakization» campaign and the repression of the 1930s, and then a new, even more powerful repressive wave of the 1940s and 50s; the war with its own people in the 1980s, taking place under the banner of the so-called «cotton case».
On this day, residents of Uzbekistan remember their compatriots who became victims of political repression. The main events dedicated to the Day are held in «Shohidlar Hotirasi».