SAIDNOSIR MIRJALILOV: A LEADING FIGURE OF THE JADIDIST MOVEMENT IN TURKESTAN

This article explores the pivotal role of Saidnosir Mirjalilov in the socio-political and cultural transformation of Turkestan during the early 20th century. As one of the foremost leaders of the Jadidist movement, Mirjalilov championed educational reform, national awakening, and the struggle for autonomy under the banner of modern Islamic thought. The study examines his contributions to the development of Jadid schools, his involvement in the short-lived Turkestan Autonomy (Kokand Government), and his resistance against Soviet colonial policies. Drawing on contemporary sources and recent scholarship, the paper highlights Mirjalilov’s multifaceted identity as a merchant, educator, and political activist. His tragic fate under Stalinist repression reflects the broader suppression of Central Asian intellectuals during the Soviet era. This research positions Mirjalilov as a symbol of enlightened resistance and a visionary of Turkestan’s modern national identity.