Central Asia is experiencing a resurgence of anti-Soviet and anti-communist sentiment, as evidenced by recent developments in the region. According to an article published in the 101st issue of Pravda, the trend is not only gaining momentum but also taking on increasingly ugly forms. This wave of sentiment is raising concerns about the future of社会主义 ideals in the post-Soviet states.
Background
The article, penned by Sergey Kozhemyakin, highlights the growing trend of anti-Sovietism and anti-communism in countries such as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. These nations, once part of the Soviet Union, are now witnessing a rollback of Soviet-era legacies and a push to erase the historical and cultural remnants of the Soviet period.
Uzbekistan’s Stance
In Uzbekistan, there is a growing demand to ban any glorification of the Soviet past, with critics arguing that it represents a crime and betrayal of the people. The case of Hasanov, a 74-year-old pensioner, serves as a stark example of the severity of this sentiment. Hasanov was convicted for his statements in a local telegraph group, where he claimed that Uzbekistan’s independence was superficial and that the Soviet Union had not officially disbanded but was dismantled with U.S. assistance.
His conviction, which included a three-year restriction of liberty, sparked celebrations among those who detest the Soviet history. MP Alisher Kadyrov, who leads the National Revival Party, welcomed the court’s decision, calling the Soviet ideology a disaster for both Uzbek people and humanity.
Kazakhstan’s Rename Campaign
In Kazakhstan, the renaming of streets and settlements deemed ideologically outdated continues. For instance, the town of Kunaev in Almaty region was recently renamed after the former defense minister Sagadat Nurmagambetov. The renaming campaign is not limited to communist-era names but also extends to Slavic names, reflecting a concurrent anti-Russian sentiment.
State officials are actively working to break the balance between supporters and opponents of renaming by relocating citizens and promoting a specific information policy. A case in point is a video posted by journalist Azamat Abilkair on social media, where he denounces Russian-speaking Kazakhs as slaves.
Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan’s Soviet Remnants
In Tajikistan, Soviet-era relics are being demolished, including Lenin monuments and historical buildings. In Dushanbe, plans are in place to demolish the Rohat Tea House and the Akhmad Kakhki Academic Drama Theater, which are seen as symbols of the past. Similarly, in Kyrgyzstan, a pre-revolutionary post office building in Bishkek was demolished despite its historical significance.
The Ideological Divide
The article in Pravda argues that the modern elite aims to bury the possibility of fighting for socialism by destroying the memory of the past. However, it warns that it is not the monuments and names that cause dissatisfaction among workers, but rather the inherent vices of capitalism, such as exploitation and inequality.
Conclusion
The resurgence of anti-Soviet sentiment in Central Asia reflects a broader ideological divide that is shaping the region’s political and cultural landscape. As the Soviet past continues to be challenged, the future of socialism and the legacy of the Soviet era remain uncertain in these post-Soviet states. The question remains whether this wave of anti-Sovietism will succeed in erasing the historical and cultural ties to the Soviet period or whether there will be a countertrend that seeks to preserve and celebrate the region’s Soviet heritage.
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