THE MAIN DIRECTIONS OF REFORMING PUBLIC EDUCATION IN TURKESTAN AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 20TH CENTURY

Abstract

This work examines the state of public education in the Turkestan region at the
start of the 20th century. It discusses the identified problems and proposed solutions based on the
materials of the comprehensive inspection conducted by Count K.K. Palen in 1908–1909. The
measures proposed by K.K. Palen’s commission represent a comprehensive reform program
aimed at aligning public education in Turkestan with the educational standards of the Russian
Empire. For an adequate historical assessment of these processes, the principle of non
interference in the "internal" (spiritual and cultural) life of the indigenous peoples of Turkestan is
of paramount importance—a principle that remains relevant today.