Editor’s Note: What follows is part of a cross-blog survey that sheds light on the rich ethnic tapestry of Central Asia.

The Ferghana Valley, especially its Kyrgyzstani part (southern Kyrgyzstan), has always fascinated people from all over the world, especially Westerners, because of the variety of ethnic groups living there (more than 20 ethnic groups in total). These various ethnic groups have a diversity of beliefs, cultures, customs, traditions, and philosophies. There are two main ethnic groups in Southern Kyrgyzstan – Kyrgyz and Uzbeks. Kyrgyz and Uzbeks have shared a long history of living side by side. These two peoples have many features – social, cultural, religious – in common, yet they differ significantly from each other.

Comprising about 16% of total population of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbeks have been living together with Kyrgyz in peace, sharing the same land, for a long time. However, several clashes have happened between them. The greatest conflict that these two ethnic groups have ever experienced was in 1990, the so-called “Osh events.” There was a great tension the main causes of which were housing and agricultural problems. Southern Kyrgyzstan, especially Osh, is a densely populated part of the country. Perestroika and glasnost started by Gorbachev promised people high living standards. Though, for some reasons, the government had failed in dealing with the housing problems of people. As a result, members of an organization called Aimaq, organized by Kyrgyz, marched towards a kolkhoz, a collective farm, that was predominantly run by Uzbeks and proclaimed the land as their own. Uzbeks refused to give their fertile land up for housing. The clash spread to almost all parts of Osh region. The conflict ended leaving many people dead on both sides.

After the collapse of the USSR, government authorities have paid attention to the prevention of ethnic violence with variable success. Different policies were implemented, such as free market and land ownership. Government also tried to launch a project called “Kyrgyzstan Is Our Common Home.” Nonetheless, the results of these policies remain debatable.

Today, things still leave much to be desired. I can’t say that the situation changed since the “Osh events”. After Kyrgyzstan gained independence, Kyrgyz became the country’s titular ethnic group. Unfair distribution of power and wealth that has become more apparent in recent years is making the situation even worse.

Uzbek deputies (7) are often being disrespected and ignored in Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament). Uzbeks are being withdrawn from key positions in government institutions and law making organizations. The best example is the case with Anvar Artykov, a prominent Uzbek politician from Osh. He was a close ally of Bakiev during the revolution in March, 2005. After March 24, Bakiev, an acting president of Kyrgyz Republic, made Artykov a governor of Osh region. Later, Artykov was arbitrarily withdrawn from his position. Artykov claimed that Bakiev used him to get the support of the Uzbek population in the presidential elections.

The rally of a group of Uzbeks in Jalalabat, a southern region of Kyrgyzstan that borders Osh region, made the situation even worse. The main aim of the rally was, as demonstrators said, “to finally knock on the doors of state officials and demand an official status for the Uzbek language.” They were also criticizing that Uzbeks lack political representation.

The demonstration aroused mostly negative opinions. Davron Sobirov, a Jogorku Kenesh deputy, who represents a majority Uzbek section of Osh city, commented that the protest ran the risk of provoking ethnic tensions, recalling the slaughter of 1990 that left a lasting imprint on society. He added that the holding of the demonstration was the wrong way of going about things. After the demonstration, the attitude of the Kyrgyz population towards Uzbeks worsened. I personally heard from ethnic Kyrgyz people that “Uzbeks can always move to Uzbekistan, if they are not satisfied with their status in Kyrgyzstan.”

The level of interethnic tensions remains high especially among youth. There are often cases of fights between groups of Kyrgyz and Uzbek youth. Such a fight recently occurred in Aravan village of Osh region on March 21, when all were celebrating Nooruz, a holiday of spring. Luckily, the conflict was dispersed by law enforcement before it grew bigger.

Media is playing an effective role in the prevention of the inter-ethnic conflict. Ferghana.ru’s article “Insulting Graffiti” reported about the graffiti that had anti-Uzbek content.

“Sarts, get out” The word Sart is used towards Uzbeks, and has a negative connotation. Photo by Ferghana.Ru news agency

Neither government officials nor law enforcement paid attention to this graffiti. However, right after the article was published in Ferghana.ru, the municipal authorities of Osh took appropriate actions. They made a decision to wipe the graffiti off.

Photo by neweurasia

In my opinion, one of the reasons for the problem is the lack of information. In schools with Uzbek instruction, both Kyrgyz and Russian cultures are taught, whereas in schools with instruction in Kyrgyz or Russian (or both), only Russian and Kyrgyz cultures are taught.

Doesn’t this mean that Uzbeks know more about Kyrgyz and Kyrgyz know almost nothing about Uzbeks? It’s hard to tell exactly. However, there is one thing I can say for sure – by doing things this way, Uzbeks and Kyrgyz cannot bridge the gap that exists between them.

The solution, I believe, is introducing new classes at schools like “culturology,” where pupils/students will have a chance to find out more about the cultures, traditions and customs of other neighboring ethnic groups. For instance: during their classes they may be asked to make presentations on other nationalities, covering their history, culture, etc. These presentations would happen say once a week, not more. It would be perfect “first step” to overcome the cultural barrier in the thoughts of our citizens.

As far as I know, the ethnic Kyrgyz minority in Uzbekistan is facing the same problems. According the latest government census, about 370,000 ethnic Kyrgyz live in the territory of Uzbekistan. Most of them live in the areas bordering Kyrgyzstan. Their case is more complicated, as there is a huge gap between Uzbek and Kyrgyz languages since Uzbeks use Latin alphabet.

There are many Kyrgyz instruction schools, but most Kyrgyz prefer sending their children to schools with Uzbek instruction, as this is the only way to survive in Uzbek society. There are also many cases when Kyrgyz change their ethnicity to Uzbek in their passports in order avoid the discrimination.

However, government of Uzbekistan is taking actions in inter-ethnic conflict prevention. Recently, Oz’bekiston Respublikasi Baynalminal Markazi (International Center of Uzbekistan) organized a big festival. Almost all ethnic groups that live in the territory of Uzbekistan took part in this event. The organizers commented that the festival helped in “transforming” the ethnic groups into one nation that would live in the atmosphere of understanding and peace. This is one of few Uzbek government’s “success stories” in dealing with ethnic issues.

I hope Kyrgyz government will take similar actions to solve the problem. Uzbeks and Kyrgyz share a long history of brotherhood. These two ethnicities deserve to live in an atmosphere of peace and understanding. The government must develop efficient projects on interethnic conflict prevention.

If the government does not take appropriate measures and continues to disregard the problem, violence can occur again. This time it may be much bigger and the results irrevocable.