What is the estimated total population of Uzbeks worldwide?

The total estimated population of Uzbeks worldwide is approximately 40 million people. This figure reflects the global presence of this Turkic ethnic group.

Which country has the largest Uzbek population, and what percentage of its population do Uzbeks comprise?

Uzbekistan has the largest population of Uzbeks, where they constitute the majority population. Uzbeks make up the primary ethnic group within Uzbekistan.

Besides Uzbekistan, in which other countries do Uzbeks form significant minority populations?

Uzbeks also form minority groups in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Russia, and China. These populations represent the spread of the Uzbek people across Central Asia and beyond.

What are the primary theories proposed for the etymological origin of the name "Uzbek"?

There are several theories regarding the origin of the name "Uzbek." One suggests it is eponymously named after Oghuz Khagan, also known as Oghuz Beg. Another theory posits that the name means "independent," "genuine man," or "the lord himself," derived from the Turkic words 'Öz' (self) and 'bek' (lord/chief). A third theory suggests it derives from 'Uz' (a variant of 'Uguz') and 'bek,' meaning "leader of an Uguz."

Which historical figure's name is suggested as a possible origin for "Uzbek," and what was his role?

One theory suggests the name "Uzbek" is derived from Oghuz Khagan, who was also known as Oghuz Beg. Oghuz Khagan is a legendary ancestor figure in Turkic mythology.

When did the name "Uzbek" begin to be widely adopted as an ethnonym, and under whose rule?

The name "Uzbek" appears to have become widely adopted as an ethnonym under the rule of Ozbeg Khan, who converted the Golden Horde to Islam. This period marked a significant shift in the naming and identity of various Turkic groups.

What were the dominant Indo-Iranian peoples inhabiting the region of modern Uzbekistan before the 5th century CE?

Before the 5th century CE, the region of modern Uzbekistan was primarily inhabited by Indo-Iranian peoples such as Sogdians, Bactrians, and Khwarazmians. These groups were part of larger empires like the Achaemenid and Sasanian Empires during that period.

What was the impact of the Turkic Khaganates on the ethnogenesis of the Uzbek people?

The Turkic Khaganates, particularly the First Turkic Khaganate from the 6th century onwards, played a significant role in the Turkicization of Central Asia. This process involved the convergence and partial merging of settled Iranian-speaking populations with nomadic, predominantly Turkic-speaking groups, influencing the eventual formation of the Uzbek people.

According to Peter B. Golden, what are the three main ethnic elements that contributed to the formation of the Uzbeks?

Peter B. Golden identified three primary ethnic elements contributing to Uzbek ethnogenesis: 1) the Turkicized, formerly Iranian-speaking sedentary Sarts (a composite group including Iranians and Arabs); 2) a pre-Uzbek amalgam of nomadic Turkic and Turkicized Mongol tribes (like Karluks, Yaghmas, Oghuz, Kipchaks, and Barlas); and 3) the East Kipchak-speaking "Pure Uzbeks" (Taza Özbek).

What is the primary linguistic ancestor of the modern Uzbek language, and how do ancient Iranian roots influence the language and culture?

The modern Uzbek language is largely derived from the Chagatai language, which gained prominence during the Timurid Empire. Despite the Turkic linguistic base, the unique grammatical and phonetic features of Uzbek, as well as modern Uzbek culture, reflect the influence of the region's more ancient Iranian roots.

What genetic components contribute to the ancestry of Uzbeks, and what modern populations serve as proxies for these components?

Uzbeks share ancestry with nearby Turkic populations. Genetic studies indicate their ancestry includes a significant Western component, with modern Abkhaz people serving as a proxy, and an Eastern component, with Yakuts or Tuvans as proxies. Specifically, Uzbeks can be modeled as having ancestry from Iron Age Indo-Iranians and Eastern Steppe Xiongnu from the Mongolian Plateau.

Which Y-DNA haplogroup is most common among Uzbek men, and what is the debate surrounding its origin?

Haplogroup R1a1 is the predominant Y-DNA lineage among Uzbek men, found in 17-32% of the population. There is ongoing debate whether this haplogroup in Uzbeks originated from local Bronze Age Indo-European pastoralists or from Turkic migrants, as it is prevalent in both Indo-Iranian and Siberian Turkic populations.

How do maternal haplogroup distributions differ between Uzbek populations in Tashkent, Ferghana, and Khorzem/Qashkadarya?

Maternal haplogroup distributions show regional variations among Uzbeks. In Tashkent, roughly half belong to East Eurasian/South Asian haplogroups and half to West Eurasian haplogroups. Uzbeks in Ferghana predominantly show East Eurasian and South Asian maternal haplogroups, while those in Khorzem and Qashkadarya are predominantly West Eurasian.

What ancient civilization existed in southern Central Asia during the Bronze Age, and what is its archaeological designation?

The Bactria–Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC) is the modern archaeological designation for a Bronze Age civilization that existed in southern Central Asia, roughly between 2250 and 1700 BC. This complex civilization developed in the region that is now part of Uzbekistan.

What was the significance of the Kara-Khanid Khanate's conversion to Islam and its role in Central Asian history?

The Kara-Khanid Khanate, ruling Transoxiana from the 11th century, was one of the first Turkic-Islamic states. The Islamization of the Kara-Khanids and their subjects was crucial for the cultural development of Turkic culture, marking a significant shift towards Islamic identity in the region.

How did the Arab conquest in the 8th century CE introduce Islam to Central Asia, and what was the significance of the Battle of Talas?

The Arab conquest of Central Asia, completed in the 8th century CE, introduced Islam to the region, gradually displacing earlier religious identities. The Arab victory over Chinese armies at the Battle of Talas in 750 AD was particularly significant as it solidified the region's destiny as an Islamic territory.

What role did the Samanid Empire play as a Persian state in Central Asia after the Arab conquest?

The Samanid Empire, which reigned for 180 years, was the first native Persian dynasty to emerge after the Muslim Arab conquest. With capitals in cities like Bukhara and Samarkand, they governed a vast territory and modeled their state organization after the Abbasids, contributing to the flourishing of Perso-Islamic culture.

What was the impact of the Mongol invasion of Central Asia, particularly on the region's population and political structure?

The Mongol invasion initiated by Genghis Khan from 1219 to 1225 caused widespread destruction and a significant population shift in Central Asia. It also established a tradition where legitimate rule could only be held by descendants of Genghis Khan, profoundly altering the region's political landscape.

Who was Timur (Tamerlane), and what was his significance in the history of Mawarannahr?

Timur, also known as Tamerlane, emerged as the dominant force in Mawarannahr in the 1380s. Although not a descendant of Genghis Khan, he became the de facto ruler, conquering vast territories and initiating the last major flowering of culture in the region by gathering artisans and scholars in his capital, Samarkand.

During the Timurid dynasty, what Turkic dialect emerged as a literary language, and who was a prominent writer in this language?

During the Timurid dynasty, the Chagatai dialect emerged as a distinct literary language in Mawarannahr. Ali Shir Nava'i, active in Herat in the latter half of the 15th century, is considered the greatest writer in the Chagatai language.

What event led to the Uzbeks' invasion of Mawarannahr in 1501, and who led them?

The internal conflicts among the Timurids attracted the attention of the Eastern Kipchak-speaking nomadic tribes known as Taza Uzbeks. In 1501, these Uzbek tribes, led by Muhammad Shaybani, began a large-scale invasion of Mawarannahr, ultimately conquering key cities and establishing the Khanate of Bukhara.

What factors motivated Russian expansion into Central Asia in the 19th century?

Russian expansion into Central Asia in the 19th century was driven by several factors: concern over British influence, the desire to end the enslavement of Russian citizens, the need to control regional trade, and the strategic importance of securing cotton supplies, especially after the US Civil War disrupted cotton deliveries from the southern United States.

By 1876, what was the political status of the former khanates of Uzbekistan within the Russian Empire?

By 1876, Russia had incorporated all three major khanates – Bukhara, Khiva, and Kokand – into its empire, effectively bringing the entire territory of present-day Uzbekistan under Russian control. While granted limited autonomy, they were considered protectorates of the Russian Empire.

What was the Jadidist movement, and what were its goals among the Muslims of Central Asia?

The Jadidist movement was an educational reform movement among the Muslims of Central Asia during the Russian Empire. Jadidists aimed to modernize education and introduce new methods, seeking to uplift and reform Muslim society within the changing political landscape.

What impact did the Soviet Union's policies, such as cotton monoculture and suppression of Islamic traditions, have on Uzbek nationalism?

Soviet policies, including the imposition of cotton monoculture which strained agricultural resources and the suppression of Islamic traditions, fostered resentment among the Uzbek population. These actions contributed to the growth of Uzbek nationalism, particularly in the late 1980s as Moscow's control weakened.

What is the estimated total population of Uzbeks worldwide?

The total estimated population of Uzbeks worldwide is approximately 40 million people. This figure reflects the global presence of this Turkic ethnic group.

Which country has the largest Uzbek population, and what percentage of its population do Uzbeks comprise?

Uzbekistan has the largest population of Uzbeks, where they constitute the majority population. Uzbeks make up the primary ethnic group within Uzbekistan.

Besides Uzbekistan, in which other countries do Uzbeks form significant minority populations?

Uzbeks also form minority groups in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Russia, and China. These populations represent the spread of the Uzbek people across Central Asia and beyond.

What are the primary theories proposed for the etymological origin of the name "Uzbek"?

There are several theories regarding the origin of the name "Uzbek." One suggests it is eponymously named after Oghuz Khagan, also known as Oghuz Beg. Another theory posits that the name means "independent," "genuine man," or "the lord himself," derived from the Turkic words 'Öz' (self) and 'bek' (lord/chief). A third theory suggests it derives from 'Uz' (a variant of 'Uguz') and 'bek,' meaning "leader of an Uguz."

Which historical figure's name is suggested as a possible origin for "Uzbek," and what was his role?

One theory suggests the name "Uzbek" is derived from Oghuz Khagan, who was also known as Oghuz Beg. Oghuz Khagan is a legendary ancestor figure in Turkic mythology.

When did the name "Uzbek" begin to be widely adopted as an ethnonym, and under whose rule?

The name "Uzbek" appears to have become widely adopted as an ethnonym under the rule of Ozbeg Khan, who converted the Golden Horde to Islam. This period marked a significant shift in the naming and identity of various Turkic groups.

What were the dominant Indo-Iranian peoples inhabiting the region of modern Uzbekistan before the 5th century CE?

Before the 5th century CE, the region of modern Uzbekistan was primarily inhabited by Indo-Iranian peoples such as Sogdians, Bactrians, and Khwarazmians. These groups were part of larger empires like the Achaemenid and Sasanian Empires during that period.

What was the impact of the Turkic Khaganates on the ethnogenesis of the Uzbek people?

The Turkic Khaganates, particularly the First Turkic Khaganate from the 6th century onwards, played a significant role in the Turkicization of Central Asia. This process involved the convergence and partial merging of settled Iranian-speaking populations with nomadic, predominantly Turkic-speaking groups, influencing the eventual formation of the Uzbek people.

According to Peter B. Golden, what are the three main ethnic elements that contributed to the formation of the Uzbeks?

Peter B. Golden identified three primary ethnic elements contributing to Uzbek ethnogenesis: 1) the Turkicized, formerly Iranian-speaking sedentary Sarts (a composite group including Iranians and Arabs); 2) a pre-Uzbek amalgam of nomadic Turkic and Turkicized Mongol tribes (like Karluks, Yaghmas, Oghuz, Kipchaks, and Barlas); and 3) the East Kipchak-speaking "Pure Uzbeks" (Taza Özbek).

What is the primary linguistic ancestor of the modern Uzbek language, and how do ancient Iranian roots influence the language and culture?

The modern Uzbek language is largely derived from the Chagatai language, which gained prominence during the Timurid Empire. Despite the Turkic linguistic base, the unique grammatical and phonetic features of Uzbek, as well as modern Uzbek culture, reflect the influence of the region's more ancient Iranian roots.

What genetic components contribute to the ancestry of Uzbeks, and what modern populations serve as proxies for these components?

Uzbeks share ancestry with nearby Turkic populations. Genetic studies indicate their ancestry includes a significant Western component, with modern Abkhaz people serving as a proxy, and an Eastern component, with Yakuts or Tuvans as proxies. Specifically, Uzbeks can be modeled as having ancestry from Iron Age Indo-Iranians and Eastern Steppe Xiongnu from the Mongolian Plateau.

Which Y-DNA haplogroup is most common among Uzbek men, and what is the debate surrounding its origin?

Haplogroup R1a1 is the predominant Y-DNA lineage among Uzbek men, found in 17-32% of the population. There is ongoing debate whether this haplogroup in Uzbeks originated from local Bronze Age Indo-European pastoralists or from Turkic migrants, as it is prevalent in both Indo-Iranian and Siberian Turkic populations.

How do maternal haplogroup distributions differ between Uzbek populations in Tashkent, Ferghana, and Khorzem/Qashkadarya?

Maternal haplogroup distributions show regional variations among Uzbeks. In Tashkent, roughly half belong to East Eurasian/South Asian haplogroups and half to West Eurasian haplogroups. Uzbeks in Ferghana predominantly show East Eurasian and South Asian maternal haplogroups, while those in Khorzem and Qashkadarya are predominantly West Eurasian.

What ancient civilization existed in southern Central Asia during the Bronze Age, and what is its archaeological designation?

The Bactria–Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC) is the modern archaeological designation for a Bronze Age civilization that existed in southern Central Asia, roughly between 2250 and 1700 BC. This complex civilization developed in the region that is now part of Uzbekistan.

What was the significance of the Kara-Khanid Khanate's conversion to Islam and its role in Central Asian history?

The Kara-Khanid Khanate, ruling Transoxiana from the 11th century, was one of the first Turkic-Islamic states. The Islamization of the Kara-Khanids and their subjects was crucial for the cultural development of Turkic culture, marking a significant shift towards Islamic identity in the region.

How did the Arab conquest in the 8th century CE introduce Islam to Central Asia, and what was the significance of the Battle of Talas?

The Arab conquest of Central Asia, completed in the 8th century CE, introduced Islam to the region, gradually displacing earlier religious identities. The Arab victory over Chinese armies at the Battle of Talas in 750 AD was particularly significant as it solidified the region's destiny as an Islamic territory.

What role did the Samanid Empire play as a Persian state in Central Asia after the Arab conquest?

The Samanid Empire, which reigned for 180 years, was the first native Persian dynasty to emerge after the Muslim Arab conquest. With capitals in cities like Bukhara and Samarkand, they governed a vast territory and modeled their state organization after the Abbasids, contributing to the flourishing of Perso-Islamic culture.

What was the impact of the Mongol invasion of Central Asia, particularly on the region's population and political structure?

The Mongol invasion initiated by Genghis Khan from 1219 to 1225 caused widespread destruction and a significant population shift in Central Asia. It also established a tradition where legitimate rule could only be held by descendants of Genghis Khan, profoundly altering the region's political landscape.

Who was Timur (Tamerlane), and what was his significance in the history of Mawarannahr?

Timur, also known as Tamerlane, emerged as the dominant force in Mawarannahr in the 1380s. Although not a descendant of Genghis Khan, he became the de facto ruler, conquering vast territories and initiating the last major flowering of culture in the region by gathering artisans and scholars in his capital, Samarkand.

During the Timurid dynasty, what Turkic dialect emerged as a literary language, and who was a prominent writer in this language?

During the Timurid dynasty, the Chagatai dialect emerged as a distinct literary language in Mawarannahr. Ali Shir Nava'i, active in Herat in the latter half of the 15th century, is considered the greatest writer in the Chagatai language.

What event led to the Uzbeks' invasion of Mawarannahr in 1501, and who led them?

The internal conflicts among the Timurids attracted the attention of the Eastern Kipchak-speaking nomadic tribes known as Taza Uzbeks. In 1501, these Uzbek tribes, led by Muhammad Shaybani, began a large-scale invasion of Mawarannahr, ultimately conquering key cities and establishing the Khanate of Bukhara.

What factors motivated Russian expansion into Central Asia in the 19th century?

Russian expansion into Central Asia in the 19th century was driven by several factors: concern over British influence, the desire to end the enslavement of Russian citizens, the need to control regional trade, and the strategic importance of securing cotton supplies, especially after the US Civil War disrupted cotton deliveries from the southern United States.

By 1876, what was the political status of the former khanates of Uzbekistan within the Russian Empire?

By 1876, Russia had incorporated all three major khanates – Bukhara, Khiva, and Kokand – into its empire, effectively bringing the entire territory of present-day Uzbekistan under Russian control. While granted limited autonomy, they were considered protectorates of the Russian Empire.

What was the Jadidist movement, and what were its goals among the Muslims of Central Asia?

The Jadidist movement was an educational reform movement among the Muslims of Central Asia during the Russian Empire. Jadidists aimed to modernize education and introduce new methods, seeking to uplift and reform Muslim society within the changing political landscape.

What impact did the Soviet Union's policies, such as cotton monoculture and suppression of Islamic traditions, have on Uzbek nationalism?

Soviet policies, including the imposition of cotton monoculture which strained agricultural resources and the suppression of Islamic traditions, fostered resentment among the Uzbek population. These actions contributed to the growth of Uzbek nationalism, particularly in the late 1980s as Moscow's control weakened.

Where did dissident anti-Soviet Central Asians flee during the Soviet era?

Dissident Islamist and anti-Soviet Central Asians fled to Afghanistan, British India, and the Hijaz region in Saudi Arabia during the Soviet era. These destinations offered refuge from political persecution.

Uzbeks Wiki: The Uzbek Tapestry: Threads of History, Culture, and Identity

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Etymology

Origin of the Name

The precise origin of the term "Uzbek" remains a subject of scholarly debate. Several theories exist:

One perspective suggests the name is an eponym derived from Oghuz Khagan, also known as Oghuz Beg.
Another theory posits that "Uzbek" signifies "independent," "genuine man," or "the lord himself," stemming from the Turkic word Öz (self) combined with the title bek/bey/beg.
A third hypothesis links "Uz" to the earlier form of Oghuz, suggesting "Uz-bek" means "leader of an Oghuz."

Historical records indicate the personal name "Uzbek" appeared in Arabic and Persian writings as early as the 12th century. The ethnonym gained widespread adoption during the rule of Ozbeg Khan, who led the Golden Horde to Islam.

Origins and Ethnogenesis

Ancient Roots

The territory of modern Uzbekistan was historically inhabited by Indo-Iranian peoples such as the Sogdians, Bactrians, and Khwarazmians. These regions were part of empires like the Achaemenid and Sasanian empires.

The arrival of Turkic peoples, beginning in the 6th century with the First Turkic Khaganate, initiated a significant process of Turkicization and cultural convergence. Over centuries, nomadic Turkic groups interacted with and assimilated sedentary Iranian-speaking populations.

The ethnogenesis of the Uzbeks is understood as a composite process involving several key elements:

Turkicized Iranian populations: Primarily the settled Sarts, who themselves were a blend of ancient Iranian groups (Sakas, Sogdians, Khwarazmians) and some Arab elements.
Pre-Uzbek Turkic amalgam: This included nomadic tribes like Karluks, Yaghmas, Oghuz Turks, and various Turkicized Mongol tribes who arrived with the Mongol and Timurid conquests.
East Kipchak-speaking groups: Referred to as "Pure Uzbeks" (Taza Özbek).

The modern Uzbek language largely derives from the Chagatai language, which flourished under the Timurids. The subsequent rise of the Shaybanid Uzbek Khaqanate solidified the Turkic linguistic and identity foundation, while ancient Iranian influences remain evident in the language and culture.

Historical Trajectory

Ancient and Islamic Eras

The region's history is marked by successive empires and migrations. Early inhabitants included Sogdians and Bactrians. The arrival of Turkic peoples from the 6th century onwards, particularly under the First Turkic Khaganate, significantly influenced the region's ethnolinguistic landscape. The Arab conquest in the 8th century introduced Islam, which gradually became the dominant religion.

The Samanid Empire, a Persian dynasty, ruled from the 9th to the 10th century, fostering a rich Perso-Islamic culture. This was followed by Turkic states like the Ghaznavids and the Kara-Khanid Khanate, which played a crucial role in the Islamization and Turkicization of the area.

The region experienced further shifts with the Mongol invasions in the 13th century. However, the subsequent era of Timur (Tamerlane) and the Timurids marked a cultural renaissance. Timur established Samarkand as a magnificent capital, patronizing arts and sciences, and during this period, the Chagatai dialect emerged as a significant literary language.

In the early 16th century, nomadic Shaybanid Uzbeks, led by Muhammad Shaybani, conquered Central Asia, establishing the Khanate of Bukhara and the Khanate of Khiva. This marked the beginning of the "Uzbek period," characterized by political fragmentation and competition with neighboring powers like Safavid Persia.

Imperial and Soviet Eras

In the 19th century, the Russian Empire gradually asserted control over the region. By 1876, the three main Uzbek khanates—Bukhara, Khiva, and Kokand—were incorporated into the Russian Empire as protectorates, leading to increased Russian settlement and industrialization.

The Soviet era brought significant political and social transformations. While initially promoting modernization and secularization, Soviet policies also led to the suppression of Islamic traditions and the imposition of cotton monoculture. This fostered a rise in Uzbek nationalism, culminating in Uzbekistan's declaration of independence from the Soviet Union on August 31, 1991.

Following the Soviet collapse, Uzbek diaspora communities, often composed of political dissidents and religious figures, established themselves in countries like Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. In recent times, labor migration has led to significant Uzbek communities in Russia, South Korea, the UAE, Germany, and other nations.

The Uzbek population in neighboring countries, such as Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan, forms substantial minority groups, contributing to the diverse cultural fabric of these regions.

Genetic Heritage

Ancestral Components

Genetic studies indicate that Uzbeks share ancestry with other Turkic populations of Central Asia, including Kazakhs and Kyrgyz. Analysis suggests a complex admixture, with components tracing back to ancient Indo-Iranian pastoralists and Xiongnu groups from the Mongolian Plateau.

Specifically, Uzbek ancestry can be modeled as approximately 59.1% Indo-Iranian from the Iron Age and 40.9% Eastern Steppe Xiongnu.

Paternal Haplogroups:

Haplogroup R1a1: Predominant (17-32%), West Eurasian origin, possibly linked to Indo-European pastoralists or Turkic migrants.
Haplogroup J: Present at 5.9-21.4%, originating in the Middle East.
Haplogroup C2: Found at 4-18%, East Eurasian origin, likely introduced by Turkic or Mongolic peoples.

Maternal Haplogroups:

Maternal lineages show regional variation:

Tashkent Uzbeks: Over 50% East Eurasian/South Asian, nearly 50% West Eurasian.
Fergana Uzbeks: Majority East Eurasian/South Asian.
Khorezm/Qashkadarya Uzbeks: Majority West Eurasian.

Culture and Society

Tribal Structure and Identity

Historically, Uzbeks are associated with a complex tribal structure, traditionally said to comprise 92 tribes. Membership in these "92 tribes" could confer privileged status and was sometimes used politically to legitimize ruling dynasties.

The term "Uzbek" itself evolved from a political designation to an ethnic identity, particularly after the Shaybanid conquest in the 16th century, assimilating various Turkic and Iranic groups under a common banner.

Some of the historically recognized Uzbek tribes include:

Manghut
Qiyat
Qipchaq
Khitai
Qanghli
Barlas
Jalair
Naiman
Karluq
Qataghan
Biyat
Tatar

This list is not exhaustive and reflects the diverse origins contributing to Uzbek identity.

Religion and Beliefs

The predominant religion among Uzbeks is Sunni Islam, primarily adhering to the Hanafi school of jurisprudence. While Islam has been present since the 8th century, its practice has varied, with Uzbeks in former Soviet territories often exhibiting more liberal interpretations influenced by Jadidism, compared to the more conservative adherents in Afghanistan and other southern regions.

Post-Soviet independence has seen an Islamic revival, though the state maintains regulation over religious practice. Minorities of Shia Muslims exist, often of Tajik ethnicity, and ancient Zoroastrianism persists among small communities.

Language

Uzbek Language

The Uzbek language belongs to the Karluk branch of the Turkic language family. It is characterized by a rich literary tradition, with the Chagatai language serving as a significant historical predecessor.

Modern Uzbek is written using Arabic, Latin, and Cyrillic scripts. Following independence, Uzbekistan adopted a modified Latin alphabet for Turkic languages, reflecting a move towards modernization and distinct national identity.

Dialectal variations exist, with Karluk dialects forming the majority (85-90%), while Kipchak and Oghuz dialects are retained by minorities in specific regions like Khorezm and Surxondaryo.

Traditional Attire

Male Attire

Traditional male attire typically features a loose-fitting cotton coat known as a Chapan or Kaftan, often made from vibrantly striped or patterned fabrics. This knee-length coat is adorned with decorative braid along the edges, hem, and neckline, historically believed to offer protection.

The ensemble is completed with a shirt, wide trousers (ishton), and soft leather boots. A decorated sash or belbog, often featuring intricate embroidery and holding essential items like tobacco pouches and keys, is a key accessory. A handcrafted knife, particularly the renowned Chust knives, is traditionally carried in the sash.

Chapan/Kaftan: Loose cotton coat, often colorful.
Ishton: Wide trousers, narrowing at the ankle.
Belbog: Decorative sash, functional for carrying items.
Pichoq: Traditional knife, often ornate.
Headwear: Skullcaps (do'ppi/tyubeteika), often black with symbolic embroidery, or fur hats in western regions.

Female Attire

Female attire traditionally includes a flowing robe or functional dress made from satin, paired with wide, light trousers (lozim). These garments are often crafted from rich fabrics like atlas, khan-atlas, and bekasama, featuring intricate floral or geometric patterns in vibrant colors such as yellow, blue, green, and orange.

Historically, the color of clothing signified age and social status, with red and pink for younger women and blues and grays for middle-aged women. White was universally appropriate. Pre-revolution, women wore veils (parandga) in public, a practice largely phased out during the Soviet-era Hujum movement aimed at female emancipation.

Tunic/Robe: Long, loose, often with wide sleeves and decorative jiyak (embroidery).
Lozim: Wide trousers, gathered and decorated at the bottom.
Fabrics: Atlas, khan-atlas, bekasama, alacha, kalami.
Colors: Vibrant palettes reflecting age and status.
Headwear: Embroidered skullcaps (do'ppi), varying in design by region.

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References

Kazakhstan population by ethnic groups

"Chapter 1: Religious Affiliation". The World's Muslims: Unity and Diversity. Pew Research Center's Religion & Public Life Project. August 9, 2012

A. H. Keane, A. Hingston Quiggin, A. C. Haddon, Man: Past and Present, p.312, Cambridge University Press, 2011, Google Books, quoted: "Who take their name from a mythical Uz-beg, Prince Uz (beg in Turki=a chief, or hereditary ruler)."

Etienne de la Vaissiere, Is there a âNationality of the Hephtalites?" in Bulletin of the Asia institute. New series. Volume 17. 2003. [2007], p. 129â130

Golden, Peter B. "An introduction to the history of the Turkic peoples." Ethnogenesis and state-formation in medieval and early modern Eurasia and the Middle East (1992): 134.

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A. Jung, Quellen der klassischen Musiktradition Mittelasiens: Die usbekisch-tadshikischen maqom-Zyklen und ihre Beziehung zu anderen regionalen maqam-Traditionen im Vorderen and Mittleren Orient, Ph.D. dissertation, Berlin, 1983.

T. Levin, The Music and Tradition of the Bukharan Shashmaqam in Soviet Uzbekistan, Ph.D. dissertation, Princeton, 1984

Grenet Frantz, Regional interaction in Central Asia and northwest India in the Kidarite and Hephtalites periods in Indo-Iranian languages and peoples. Edited by Nicholas Sims-Williams. Oxford university press, 2003. Ð .218â222

Sims-Williams Nicholas, Bactrian documents from Northern Afghanistan. I. Legal and economic documents. London: Oxford university press, 2000

Marshak Boris. Legends, tales and fables in the art of Sogdiana with an appendix by V.A. Livshits. New York: Bibliotheca persica press, 2002. Ð .168

Baratova L.S. Drevnetyurkskiye monety Sredney Azii VI-IX vv. (tipologiya, ikonografiya, istoricheskaya interpretatsiya). Avtoref. diss. kand. ist. nauk. Tashkent, 1995

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A full list of references for this article are available at the Uzbeks Wikipedia page

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Etymology

Origin of the Name

Origins and Ethnogenesis

Ancient Roots

Historical Trajectory

Ancient and Islamic Eras

Imperial and Soviet Eras

Genetic Heritage

Ancestral Components

Culture and Society

Tribal Structure and Identity

Religion and Beliefs

Language

Uzbek Language

Traditional Attire

Male Attire

Female Attire

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

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References

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Disclaimer

Academic Integrity and Limitations