THE ISSUE OF WOMEN'S RIGHTS AND STATUS IN THE VIEW OF THE JADIDS AND TRADITIONALISTS

Abstract

This article examines the interpretation of the status and rights of women in the late 19th and early 20th centuries through the perspectives of the Jadids and traditionalists (Qadimists). The Jadid enlighteners highlighted women's literacy and rights as a crucial catalyst for societal progress. Through the analysis of Ismail Gasprinsky’s works and views, the ideas of women's emancipation are scrutinized, demonstrating how the issue of gender equality is reflected in his novels The Muslims of Dar al-Rahat and The Land of Women. Furthermore, the perspectives on women held by key thinkers such as Fitrat, Hamza, and Avloni are elucidated. Conversely, the article underscores that the traditionalists advocated for the preservation of conventional dogmas. It reveals that the discourse surrounding the hijab (Islamic veil) and paranja (the traditional Central Asian full-body veil) stood at the core of the social debates of that era. The analysis extends to the fierce polemics carried out in the contemporary press and periodicals regarding this matter. Finally, the study outlines the implementation of women's liberation policies through the "Hujum" (Assault) campaign and concludes with a scientifically grounded evaluation of the socio-cultural consequences of these historical processes.