ANTHROPOTOPONYMS AS CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC MARKERS IN UZBEK TOPONYMY: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ULUG‘BEK, TO‘LABOY, AND TOYIRSHAYX

Abstract

Anthropotoponyms constitute an important component of the toponymic system and reflect the close interaction between language, culture, and historical memory. This article provides a comparative linguistic and onomastic analysis of three anthropotoponyms found in Uzbekistan: Ulug‘bek, To‘laboy, and Toyirshayx. The primary aim of the study is to determine their etymological origins, structural composition, and socio-cultural meanings within the regional toponymic landscape. The research applies descriptive, etymological, and comparative methods in order to analyze the formation and development of these place names. The results show that the selected anthropotoponyms represent different models of formation. Some of them commemorate well-known historical figures, while others reflect traditional personal naming beliefs or are connected with religious authority and spiritual influence. The comparative analysis also demonstrates that anthropotoponyms preserve significant information about social hierarchy, cultural values, and collective historical memory embedded in geographical names. Consequently, such toponyms function as linguistic monuments that reflect the worldview, cultural identity, and historical experience of the Uzbek people.