The article discusses the life path and scientific activity on the development of the history of Turkic-speaking peoples of a prominent orientalist and expert on the history of Turkic peoples, a philosopher, educator of the XIX century Shigabutdin Marjani. The article discusses the life path and scientific activity on the development of the history of Turkic-speaking peoples of a prominent orientalist and expert on the history of Turkic peoples, a philosopher, educator of the XIX century Shigabutdin Marzhani. The outstanding historian S. Marjani understood the historical process as the spiritual development of peoples and he considered the contribution of universal culture to be a criterion for assessing the role of peoples in history. Only one S. Marzhani was written more than thirty works. S. Marzhani looked at history as a school of life, emphasizing its cognitive and educational significance. He considered the study of the historical past to be a necessary condition for ensuring the future of the people. According to the scientist, ignorance of the past will lead to a weakening of peoples into themselves, and civilized peoples with great respect keep in memory their historical past. The scientist calls on the people to study and preserve their historical and cultural heritage, advocating the awakening of self-consciousness and unity, as well as proving cultural continuity. The authors of the article emphasize that in the works of Sh. Marzhani for the first time an attempt is made to take a scientific approach to historical issues, for the first time they touch upon the methodology of history and scientific theories about the subject. The authors of the article emphasize that in the works of Sh. Marzhani for the first time an attempt is made to take a scientific
approach to historical issues, for the first time they touch upon the methodology of history and scientific theories about the subject.