Abstract. In this article, the views of the representatives of the modernist movement, which arose in the socio-political, cultural and literary life of Central Asia at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, about culture, in particular, about European culture. The article expresses the opinions of modern enlighteners about the origin and importance of Western culture. At the same time, the positive and negative views of European culture as universal culture of the moderns are summarized.