An Unfading Melody: The Repression of the Jadids and the Fate of the National Musical Heritage

Abstract

This article examines the influence of the Jadid movement of the early twentieth century on the development of Uzbek national musical culture. Particular attention is paid to the Jadid understanding of music not merely as an artistic phenomenon, but also as a means of preserving national memory, promoting education, and strengthening cultural identity. The study focuses on Abdurauf Fitrat’s contribution to the study, preservation, and notation of Shashmaqom, as well as Hamza Hakimzoda Niyoziy’s integration of national songs, poetry, theatre, and educational ideas. The article also considers the impact of political repression on Jadid intellectuals and the cultural and scholarly environment in which they worked.