In evolving societies, entrepreneurs, traders, and the wealthy have consistently been at the forefront of innovation and the swift implementation of new ideas. For instance, a prominent Tashkent figure, Said Azimboy, carried out significant social reforms in 1865. By freeing all his slaves, he set an example for others to follow. Local elites, in response to colonial conditions, sought to modernize the country. Let us reflect on some of these initiatives.
Saidkarim Saidazimboyev, in 1907, founded “Tujjor” (The Merchant), one of the first newspapers to address social-political and literary issues in the local language. In 1909, Saidkarim was elected as the leader of the “Ko‘mak” (Support) Society, which engaged in charitable activities such as establishing clinics, kitchens, and shelters to assist the poor, the elderly, orphans, and students. He and his brothers were also members of the Turkistan Archaeological Enthusiasts Society. Orif Haji Azizhoji, a prominent politician and businessman of his time, owned a leather manufacturing enterprise producing shoes and garments and constructed a major trade center in the city.
On April 24, 1902, Ilhom Inog‘omjonov received permission to open a photo studio in Tashkent. This establishment became the city’s first professional national photography studio. Local elites actively participated in scientific and cultural life. In the same year, prominent figures such as Said Karim Said Azimboyev, Mirza Abdulla Iso Magometov, Mir Azam Mir Ayupov, Maqsud Khoja Ota Khojayev, Muhiddinxon Hakim Khojayev, Ibrohimbek Yusufbekov, and Mulla Usmon Toshkenboyev were involved in founding the Tashkent branch of the Oriental Studies Society.
The early 20th century witnessed significant socio-economic and political changes in our region. Entrepreneurs in Turkestan actively participated in these processes, contributing not only economically but also socially and politically. Uzbek scholar Yoqub Tayronov’s medical assistance efforts brought attention to merchants who cared for widows, orphans, and children in need. These activities caught the government’s attention, and many were awarded state-level honors. Amxoqboy Abdualiyev, for instance, was awarded a silver badge inscribed with “For Meritorious Service.”
Local elites established numerous charitable foundations and societies. The “Muslim” Society donated 120 rubles to a modern school in the Kokmasjid neighborhood of the Beshyog‘och district, 90 rubles to a similar school in the Kallaxona neighborhood of Kokcha Street, and additional funds to assist students
In 1907, Tashkent entrepreneur Saidkarim Saidazimboyev established a company to facilitate pilgrimages to Mecca. At that time, pilgrims traveled by train from Tashkent to Odessa or Feodosia and then by ship to Jeddah. In 1908 alone, over 15,000 pilgrims departed from Tashkent. The journey lacked adequate facilities. To address this issue, Saidkarim began constructing specialized stations and hostels, or “Hojixonalar,” in Tashkent and Odessa. These hostels included basic amenities such as ablution areas, tea houses, and stores, and provided separate rooms for men and women. Pilgrims received free medical care and affordable food. On March 13, 1908, Saidazimboyev was officially appointed as a pilgrimage director. Inspired by his success, he expanded these facilities to 14 additional locations along the pilgrimage route. He collaborated with the “Volunteer Fleet” shipping company, which agreed to provide discounted tickets for underprivileged Muslims.
Despite his efforts, an outbreak of cholera in Arabia posed significant challenges. To prevent the epidemic’s spread, Saidazimboyev established quarantine zones for pilgrims. His activities were widely covered in newspapers, enhancing his reputation and leading to his monopoly in the pilgrimage sector.
In 1906, French traveler Paul Pelliot visited Tashkent, Samarkand, and Andijan, documenting the region’s wealthy individuals. In his accounts, he described meeting Sayid G‘ani, a European-style businessman and one of Tashkent’s wealthiest individuals. Sayid G‘ani’s brother, Sayid Karim, was a deputy in the Duma, further highlighting the family’s prominence. Another influential figure, Orif Haji, faced cultural tensions due to his wife’s progressive behavior, such as not wearing a headscarf, which displeased local Muslims. Paul Pelliot’s observations extended to Andijan, where he noted the hospitality of wealthy locals like Kozimcha Hoji, who balanced religious duties with modern influences.
Overall, 100-150 years ago, our entrepreneurs and elites were well-informed about global developments and brought innovations to Turkestan. They revolutionized lifestyles by introducing telegraphs, pharmacies, trade houses, stock exchanges, companies, and newspapers. They generously contributed to charitable societies and funds, traveled the world, served as deputies, and participated in scientific organizations. In summary, today’s entrepreneurs can learn valuable lessons from their predecessors, whose contributions continue to inspire societal progress.
Baxtiyor Alimjonov
Historian
