Design of National Identity in Uzbek Cinema: In the Case of The Movıe O'tov (Otağ)

After gaining its independence in 1991, Uzbekistan chose a more original path in building its national identity, both economically and politically, compared to other Turkish Republics that gained independence. It is trying to develop its international political and economic presence on this chosen path. At the same time, it aims to revitalize both historical and national cultural heritage, known as national values, and bring them to the agenda of life. It seems that there are no ethnic, religious, regional conflicts and political imbalances in Uzbekistan. With this advantage, it has been observed that social changes occurred in Uzbekistan in a short time after independence as a result of identity building policies that prioritized social peace and peaceful principles. In the study, the ‘identity’ problems experienced in Central Asia during the Soviet Union period and the issue of a new identity design with independence were investigated. In the research, the Uzbek film O’tov was taken into consideration and the design of the national identity in Uzbekistan through films was analyzed using the content analysis method. The study is limited to Uzbek cinema and the movie O’tov.