Personality and Creative Legacy of Mahmudkhoja Behbudi in Naim Karimov’s Research

This article examines academician Naim Karimov’s study of Mahmudkhoja Behbudi’s life and creative activity, focusing on his monograph Mahmudkhoja Behbudi.Written during the early period of comprehensive research on Behbudi and his work, this scholarly monograph details his birthplace, parents, youth, tenure as a mufti, efforts in enlightenment, the establishment of the Behbudiya Library, the creation of the first Uzbek drama Patricide, and his contributions to the emergence of national Uzbek theatre, as well as the circumstances surrounding his tragic death, all supported by historical evidence.The article’s author evaluates Karimov’s contributions to the study of Behbudi by considering prior research experiences, highlighting his analytical approach. It reflects on Behbudi’s role in national awakening, Jadidism, enlightenment, and political reforms, providing insights into his influence on the intellectual and cultural renewal of Uzbek society.Furthermore, the article explores the scholar’s research methodology, his use of historical sources, and the theoretical conclusions he advanced.