Ruhnama

Ruhnama, meaning “Book of the Soul” in Persian, is a text written by Islam Karimov, the former president of Uzbekistan. Published in 1999, it presents a blend of Shinto‑style spiritual guidance, modest moral essays, and references to Uzbek history and cultural values. The book contains 216 pages divided into symbolic chapters that discuss virtues such as honesty, generosity, and love for the homeland.

The first edition of Ruhnama was printed with over 2.4 million copies and quickly became a staple in Uzbek schools. The curriculum mandated that students read the text during certain stages of their education, especially in compulsory schooling. The goal, according to official sources, was to foster national identity and civic responsibility. In 2010, a new edition was released to coincide with the centenary of Uzbekistan’s independence, incorporating updated commentary and a revised preface.

Critics of the book argue that it functions as political propaganda, glorifying Karimov and the ruling regime. Scholars have noted that its moralistic tone is intertwined with political messaging, with the text displaying limited critical engagement with broader social and economic issues. Human rights organizations have cited the mandatory reading of Ruhnama as an example of political indoctrination in the Uzbek education system.

Internationally, the Ruhnama has received mixed reception. While it is celebrated in some Eurasian communities as a guide to ethical living, it has also been cited in academic discussions about the relationship between education and state authority in post‑Soviet Central Asia. The book remains an influential, if controversial, component of Uzbekistan’s cultural and educational landscape.