Language Research

Updated (January 2001)

Another tension in the country is that of Kyrgyz-Uzbek relations. Uzbeks living is southern Kyrgyzstan, suspected of having separatist intentions, are discriminated and their discontent can grow to potentially dangerous levels. Virtually from the time of Kyrgyzstan's independence in 1991, government officials have viewed the country's Uzbek population with suspicion. According to Uzbek activists, during the past decade Kyrgyz leaders have sought to limit Uzbek participation in governmental structures, and downplay the role of Uzbeks in local society. Ethnic Uzbeks are not presented in the regional and local administration and in commerce and media they have to cope with governmental pressure. National TV Corporations do not have any programming in the Uzbek language. Feeling excluded from political participation, as well as pressured in the economic sphere, some Uzbeks find an outlet in other areas, such as radical Islam.