Dr. Sevket Hylton Akyildiz (School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London).
2011-13 New research projects & ideas:
1. Uzbekistan and Tajikistan 1924-1995: Identity and Nation-Building.
2. Soviet Central Asia and the Young Pioneers: Socialisation and the Tashkent Pioneer Palace. Its role as a site of civic inculcation, community work, and education. The international element of the site is highlighted.
3. We are seeking to compile a book about Soviet Central Asia - please contact me if you have a relevant paper you wish to be published.
My completed thesis research was undertaken at SOAS, London on the theme of making patriotic Soviet citizens in Uzbekistan. The title was:Implementing a Vision of Citizenship in Soviet Uzbekistan (1980-1991): Theory, Social Issues and Education.
Key topics of debate:
Criticism of mainstream Western perspectives on the state-civic identification and allegiance of Uzbeks circa 1980-1991
Rights and duties of Soviet citizenship. Soviet state citizenship - civic identity formation and national (ethnic) identity; patriotism and internationalism, moral and political education
Glasnost and perestroika discussed in the context of civic upbringing and changing values within Uzbekistan; rethinking the social role of religious values in an atheist state
The construction and operation of socialization channels: formal schools, colleges, universities, physical culture, and youth movements; the use of state-civic ceremonies, ritual, sporting and military heroes
The theory, everyday implementation, viability and contradictions of the concept: the 'Soviet people'
If you have any ideas you wish to contribute to this work please forward them to me - this is a democratic website, so feel free to express your creativity and thoughts.
Salaam - Peace, Citizens.