The Uzbek

There are a total of over 18 million Uzbeks in Central Asia, most living in their homeland of Uzbekistan. A small portion of the Uzbeks, around 15,000, live in western China, primarily in the city of Yining, located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Uzbek people can also be found in small numbers in the cities of Qoqek, Kashgar, Urumqi, Yarkant, and Kargilik. The Uzbek are recognized by the People's Republic of China as one of the 55 official minority groups.

The name "Uzbek" comes from a fourteenth century local ruler under the Mongol Empire who called himself "Uzbek Khan." He named the region he was in control of "the state of Uzbek," and the people who lived in that region of Central Asia became known as Uzbeks. In the 15th century, a large group of Uzbeks moved to the Chuhe River valley, and this group of people came to be called Kazaks while those that stayed in Uzbek were seen as Uzbeks. Although Uzbek traders traveled the "Silk Road" in the 13th and 14th centuries, it was not until the 17th century that a steady stream of Uzbek merchants traveled the "Silk Road" and began settling in the Province of Xinjiang.

The Uzbek language is similar to the Uygur and Tatar languages, all of them belonging to the Tuskic branch of Altaic languages. There is also an Uzbek script that is based on the Arabic alphabet and writing. At this point in time, almost all Uzbeks are bilingual knowing Uygur, and many speak Kazak and Han as well. Uzbeks that live in pastoral areas tend to use Kazak for writing while those in the cities often use Uygur.

The Uzbek Khan was a believer in Islam and encouraged the spread of Islam to the Uzbek people. The vast majority of Uzbeks did become Muslims early on which is demonstrated by the similarities in customs and culture with the other Islamic nationalities in Xinjiang. Being Islamic, the Uzbek typically resist any other religious movements or beliefs. The mosque is the center of religious activities and educational training for the young people and they hold the Qu'ran as sacred. The Uzbek cultural customs, food, eating habits and dress are basically the same as the Uygur people. The men and women wear brightly decorated and embroidered skullcaps to which the women often add scarves. The men also wear a button-less robe reaching to their knees that is ornately trimmed with colorful lace in elaborate patterns. These robes are tied with an embroidered girdle that has the shape of a triangle. The women wear broad pleated dresses without a girdle and highly decorated and colorful boots.

Like other Islamic peoples, the Uzbek do not eat pork or drink alcohol preferring to eat mutton, beef and horsemeat along with dairy products. Crusty pancakes and tea with milk is a regular feature of all three meals. A common meal consists of stewed meat with potatoes, honey and syrup. Uzbek houses are somewhat unique having round attics on rectangular adobe houses with flat roofs. The walls are made of a combination of mud and wood with patterned niches for placing various objects.

Most Uzbek families are nuclear families with parents and children living separately. Brothers live apart from each other as well. Traditionally, marriages were arranged by the parents and the boy's parents had to present betrothal gifts to the girl's family and provide for the wedding ceremony. This does not occur as often today and women are not required to wear veils or live in seclusion, but a system of priority still does exist preventing a younger sibling from getting married if his older brother is still single. The wedding ceremonies are held according to Islamic customs and rules and the newlyweds go to the house of the groom's parents after the ceremony. Sometimes the new bride is "carried off" or "stolen" by her friends after the ceremony, and the groom is required to visit various houses offering gifts trying to secure the return of his wife. The Uzbek have very strict rules forbidding siblings to marry and preventing people of different generations from marrying. They have a long history of marital ties with other groups like the Uygurs and Tatars.

The Uzbek engage primarily in trading and handicraft industries working mainly with silk and are located in urban areas. A few work in rural areas and are engaged in animal husbandry and farming. The Uzbek youth are able to get a good education and many look to becoming teachers after graduation. The Uzbek are also known for their musical talents and dancing ability. They have many musical instruments, most of which are plucked, as well as percussion instruments. Uzbek dances are known for their vivacity, grace and variety and are preformed primarily as solos with the dancer waving her arms while she turns and spins.