National History in Textbooks of the Modern States of Central Asia: Goals and Methods of Presentation

This article examines the historical educational literature published in post-Soviet states of Central Asia. The author identifies goals and methods interpreting phenomena highlights features presenting material textbooks manuals various region. analysis considers political orientation literature, content which is aimed, above all, at integration local population around idea independence state sovereignty. In a number states, goal uniting society ruling circles outlined, achievement due to exposure “external enemy”, one-sided negative assessments consequences now sovereign states’ entry into Russian Empire, later Soviet Union. study reflection national history makes it possible reveal aspirations power elites achieve rather than scholarly ones. However, biased selection distortion facts, while deforming knowledge, negatively affect atmosphere sentiment society, lead stirring up interethnic enmity, separation peoples spread isolating pride. identification comprehension intentions hidden materials, as well past, create conditions for overcoming interpretations events objective historic coverage.