HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SOURCES OF NATIONAL CHARACTER: A SOCIO-PHILOSOPHICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

This article provides a socio-philosophical analysis of the historical and cultural foundations of national character, examining it as a complex and multilayered social phenomenon shaped through centuries of development. Drawing on the works of O.Spengler, A.Toynbee, É.Durkheim, C.Lévi-Strauss, M.Weber, and other classical theorists, the study emphasizes that national character is not merely a psychological construct but a socio-cultural structure rooted in historical memory, ethical principles, and collective practices. Special attention is given to the role of the ancient Turkic worldview, the influence of Islamic civilization, and the enduring significance of customs and rituals as carriers of cultural continuity. The research highlights how historical memory reinforces national identity and how key historical stages - colonialism, the Jadid movement, and independence - shaped the moral and civic qualities of the people of Central Asia. In the context of New Uzbekistan, the article analyzes the evolving features of national character under conditions of modernization, showing how traditional values integrate with contemporary qualities such as initiative, civic participation, openness to innovation, and social responsibility. The study concludes that the synthesis of tradition and modernity forms a stable spiritual resource for the country’s ongoing development.