Tanqidchilar

Tanqidchilar refers to a group of Uzbek writers and intellectuals who emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The term "tanqidchilar" is derived from the Uzbek word for "critics" or "evaluators." This group was primarily concerned with critiquing and analyzing the social, cultural, and literary developments in Uzbekistan and among the Uzbek people.

The tanqidchilar movement was closely associated with the modernization and Europeanization of Uzbek literature and culture. Many of its key figures were influenced by European Enlightenment ideas and sought to introduce Western literary and philosophical concepts to Uzbek readers. They drew inspiration from Persian and Arabic literary traditions, as well as from the works of Russian and European writers.

Notable figures associated with the tanqidchilar movement include authors such as Abdurrahmon Sharq (1850-1920) and Fitrat (1885-1919). These writers sought to break away from traditional forms of Uzbek literature and explore new themes and styles. Their works often addressed issues of social justice, morality, and the impact of modernity on traditional Uzbek society.

The tanqidchilar movement had a significant impact on the development of modern Uzbek literature and culture. Their emphasis on critical thinking and intellectual inquiry marked a significant shift from the more traditional and conservative approaches to literature and culture that had dominated the region for centuries. Despite the challenges and obstacles they faced, the tanqidchilar movement played a key role in shaping the modern literary and intellectual landscape of Uzbekistan and the broader region.