THE LEGACY OF MAHMUDKHOJA BEHBUDIY: IDEOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF JADID SCHOOLS AND DIRECTIONS OF EDUCATIONAL MODERNIZATION

Abstract

This article analyzes Mahmudkhoja Behbudi’s role in the Jadid movement and his approaches to modernization in the field of education. It elucidates the ideological foundations of Jadid schools by examining Behbudi’s educational activities—specifically the establishment of "new-method" schools and the content and essence of their pedagogical concepts. The article reviews the nature of these new-method schools and the features distinguishing them from traditional schools, focusing on reforms advocated by Behbudi that harmonized religious and secular knowledge, emphasized national identity, and incorporated modern principles; these reforms included the creation of textbooks, the training of teaching staff, language instruction systems, and the dissemination of knowledge through printed publications. Particular attention is paid to how the content of textbooks such as *Risolai Jug‘rofiyai Umroniy* (Treatise on Human Geography), *Kitobat-ul-Atfol* (Writing for Children), and *Amaliyoti Islom* (Islamic Practice) sought to foster critical thinking and social engagement among students. The article comprehensively examines Behbudi’s work in theater, journalism, and social activism, portraying him as a leading figure of the national awakening and educational modernization in Turkestan. His views on education are regarded as a significant theoretical and practical legacy for modern Uzbek pedagogy. His heritage remains relevant to the contemporary Uzbek education system and plays a vital role in the spiritual and intellectual upbringing of the younger generation