BOLAT SALIEV: THE FALL OF UZBEKISTAN’S FIRST PROFESSOR OF HISTORY DURING SOVIET PURGES

This article explores the life and academic work of Bolat Saliev (1882-1937), the first Professor of History in Uzbekistan, focusing on his contributions to the development of historical scholarship in the region, his clash with Soviet ideology, and the eventual repression he faced during the Stalinist purges of the late 1930s. It examines the complex interplay of nationalism, Soviet ideology, and political repression in Soviet Uzbekistan during the early Soviet period. Through an analysis of Saliev’s life and scholarly activities, the article demonstrates the impact of Soviet political policies on intellectuals and historical studies in Central Asia.