EPIDEMICS IN THE HISTORY OF UZBEKISTAN: FROM A BIOLOGICAL FACTOR TO SOCIAL TRANSFORMATIONS

Abstract

The article examines the historical evolution of infectious diseases and their impact on public health, social relations, and state policy, with particular attention to the experience of Uzbekistan. The study analyzes the spread of epidemics from ancient times to the modern era and highlights the role of environmental crises, poverty, migration, wars, unsanitary conditions, and climate change in increasing morbidity and mortality. The research is based on the conceptual approaches of S. Knobler and Giles-Wernick, which consider epidemics not only as biological phenomena but also as social, economic, and cultural processes affecting social development.