The anniversary of Uzbekistan’s Independence Day is on September 1, a celebration of their independence from the Soviet Union. Uzbekistan, also known as the Republic of Uzbekistan, is a double landlocked country in Central Asia whose largest city, Tashkent, is its capital. The country shares its borders with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan. It is a secular state with a presidential constitutional government and a population of about 35.3 million. So far, the Uzbekistan environment has suffered greatly from Soviet policies to rapidly increase cotton production without proper environmental studies.

History of Uzbekistan Independence Day

The history of Uzbekistan’s Independence Day is closely tied to the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the subsequent emergence of independent nations in the early 1990s. Here’s an overview of the key events that led to the establishment of Uzbekistan’s Independence Day:

  • Soviet Era: Prior to gaining independence, Uzbekistan was a part of the Soviet Union. It was officially incorporated as the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic within the larger Soviet federation.
  • Perestroika and Glasnost: In the late 1980s, the policies of perestroika (restructuring) and glasnost (openness) introduced by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev led to increased political and cultural reforms within the Soviet Union. This era saw a relaxation of censorship and greater freedom of expression, which in turn fueled nationalist sentiments within various Soviet republics, including Uzbekistan.
  • Growing Nationalism: As reforms progressed, Uzbekistan experienced a resurgence of its national identity. Calls for greater autonomy and independence from the central Soviet government became stronger.
  • Declaration of Sovereignty: On June 20, 1990, the Supreme Soviet of the Uzbek SSR adopted a declaration of sovereignty. This marked a significant step toward asserting Uzbekistan’s self-governance and increased decision-making authority.
  • Referendum on Independence: On August 31, 1991, a national referendum was held in Uzbekistan to determine the country’s future status. The referendum offered voters the choice of maintaining the Soviet Union or declaring independence. An overwhelming majority, around 98% of voters, chose independence.
  • Declaration of Independence: On September 1, 1991, the Republic of Uzbekistan officially declared its independence from the Soviet Union. This decision was in line with the referendum results and the broader wave of independence declarations by other Soviet republics.
  • Formation of the New State: Islam Karimov, the former Communist Party leader of Uzbekistan, became the country’s first President. The newly independent Uzbekistan embarked on a path of nation-building, establishing its own government, constitution, and institutions.
  • Recognition and Celebration: As a newly independent nation, Uzbekistan was recognized by the international community. September 1st was chosen as the day to celebrate the country’s independence, marking the official break from Soviet rule and the beginning of a new era.
  • Since then, September 1st has been celebrated annually as Uzbekistan Independence Day. The holiday is an occasion for the people of Uzbekistan to reflect on their history, culture, and achievements, as well as to celebrate their national identity and unity. It serves as a reminder of the country’s journey toward self-determination and its contributions to the global community as an independent nation.


 Uzbekistan Independence Day Timeline

1200 – 1400
The Mongol Conquest
Uzbekistan becomes part of the Mongol Empire after the conquest of Genghis Khan.

1950 – 1980
The Cotton Production and Environment Impact
New irrigation projects boost cotton production, but they also cause severe damage to the environment.

1966
The Earthquake in Tashkent
A powerful earthquake destroys much of Tashkent.

1990
The Economic and Political Sovereignty
The Communist Party of Uzbekistan declares economic and political sovereignty.


How is Uzbek Independence Day Celebrated?

This is the main national holiday in Uzbekistan and Independence Day celebrations began in 1992, when a film called Istiqlol (Independence) premiered in cinemas on the first anniversary of independence. The film premiere was followed by a speech by then-president Islam Karimov honoring the nation’s freedom at Independence Square. This established a tradition for the Uzbek presidents to deliver a speech celebrating the country’s dignity on National Day. 

Uzbekistan Independence Day Is Important

An old dream of independence
Freedom was always a dream for the Uzbek people. They were conquered throughout history by various foreign powers, so the country’s independence was a great achievement.

A rich history
The Uzbek people have a rich history. From the time of the Silk Route to the modern era, they have witnessed various political and ecological upheavals.

A cautionary tale
Pre-independence Uzbekistan is an example of how colonization and annexation can be brutal to minority areas. The Soviet idea of improving cotton production without concern for the well-being of the Uzbek people or their environment is a lesson for all of humanity.

Interesting Facts About Uzbekistan
Its currency has undergone transition
Uzbekistan's currency only became fully convertible at market rates in 2017.

It is an electric powerhouse
Uzbekistan produces the most electricity in all of Central Asia.

It has membership in international organizations
Uzbekistan is a member of the Commonwealth of the Independent States, the U.N., and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

It has a national animal
The snow leopard is the national animal of Uzbekistan.

It has citizens living abroad
There are more than 62,000 Uzbeks in the U.S.