Uzbek, Northern in Uzbekistan

Introduction / History

The earliest ancestors of the Uzbeks, the Central Asian Turks, aided Genghis Khan in his conquest of Eastern Europe in the 1300s. Eventually, as unity between the Turks and Mongols faded, there were numerous warring kingdoms that emerged. It was from several of these kingdoms that the Uzbeks descended. As time progressed, they developed their own language and culture, though it is like the others in Central Asia. The term Uzbek, meaning "master of himself"—this accurately describes the people. Their love of freedom and sense of restlessness have often caused conflicts with the conquerors who, throughout the centuries, have invaded their homeland, the west central Asian region known as Turkestan. However, invaders have played an important part of their history.

By the mid-1800s, the Russians had conquered most of the Uzbeks. The Russians controlled much of Central Asia including what is now Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan.

They lived under czarist rule until the Bolshevik Revolution brought the communists to power in 1917. The new socialist government forced many of the Uzbek nomads and farmers to live on collective farms. After the USSR dissolved in 1991, there were new, emerging nations such as Uzbekistan. They were free to make their own decisions.

The Uzbeks are the majority people in Uzbekistan. Their language is divided into a couple of major dialects, one of which is called Northern Uzbek.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Traditionally, most Northern Uzbeks were semi-nomadic shepherds; however, today, most of those living in Central Asia either farm or live and work in larger towns and cities. Among those who farm, the principal crop is cotton. They also grow fruits, vegetables and grains.

Their common staple food is rice and "osh" is the national dish cooked with rice. Pasta is also a common food item. It was probably brought to Central Asia hundreds of years ago by Italian or Chinese traders who traveled along the Silk Road. Two favorite pasta dishes are ash (a noodle dish sometimes mixed with yogurt) and ashak (an Uzbek-style ravioli).

The traditional dress of the Northern Uzbeks is very distinctive. But today, most wear Western style clothing, especially those who live in large, previously Soviet cities.

Northern Uzbek mountain men love to play buzkashi, a wild polo-like game with two teams on horseback. The game, which uses the headless carcass of a goat or calf as the "ball," can be very violent and go on for two or three days. The object of the game is to pick up the "ball" and carry it to a goal that may be as far as two miles away. The other team attempts to stop whoever has the animal with any means necessary, even using whips to attack him. Another popular past-time is to hunt wild birds with falcons.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Northern Uzbeks are Sunni Muslims of the Hanafite branch. Like other Muslims, the Uzbeks believe that there is one God, Allah, whose will was revealed through the prophet Mohammed and then recorded in the Koran.

Northern Uzbeks are not generally Orthodox Muslims. Many traditional beliefs have been mingled with their Islamic practices. Many of the younger generation are either atheists or non-religious.

What Are Their Needs?

Northern Uzbeks who have access to the gospel live in the cities. It is likely that the majority of the rural villages have had no gospel witness.

Prayer Points

Pray that Christian Uzbek leaders would be unified in their evangelistic activities.
Pray that new Uzbek Christ followers would understand God's word quickly and commit themselves to discipling others.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will soften the hearts of Northern Uzbek Muslims towards Christians.
Ask the Lord to send additional long term laborers to live among Northern Uzbeks and share the love of Christ with them.
Pray that Christians in other countries to start reaching out to their Northern Uzbek neighbors and they would be receptive to Christ's love.
Pray for effectiveness of the JESUS Film and Christian radio broadcasts that are being aired in the Northern Uzbek language.

Text Source:   Joshua Project