Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is a country found in Central Asia to the north of Turkmenistan and south of Kazakhstan. This interview is about the above-mentioned country, its economic, social and political transformation since attaining internal rule from Russia. The respondent during the interview, Shakhloabdusalomova, hails from Samarkand in Uzbekistan. The name of the respondent does not have special meaning attached to it. The twenty two-year-old has one brother and four sisters. He moved to the United States to pursue his studies because of his parents who were determined to ensure he completed his further studies in America. The decision to study in the United States was mainly to attain better education away from home country whose system of education adversely compromised quality. He is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Medical Biology and is hoping to graduate in the year 2013. Americans usually ask him weird questions about lifestyle back in his home country (Uzbekistan) especially those who meet him for the first time and learn about his native country.
The respondent acknowledges the fact that Russia (Popularly known as Soviet Union) once colonized his home country, Uzbekistan. He did appreciate that Uzbekistan was once part of the Soviet Union before they attained independence in 1991. Apart from Uzbek, which is the native language, he also speaks Persian and Russian. During Soviet Union’s occupation of Uzbekistan, usage of Russian language was very prominent. Uzbekistan became prominent though during the period after attaining independence in 1991. Achievement of internal rule was a breakthrough to the people of Uzbekistan from the brutal rule of Soviet Union. The respondent thought of all the languages as his favorites even before flying to the United States. He focuses to speak all the languages even after staying in U.S. for a while. Besides, he is in a position to find meanings in native language of words in English. In addition, he has never traveled to the country, which was their former colony, nor does the colony influence life back in his home country. The home country has also grown socially, politically and economically and therefore does not depend on the colony at all. However, He affirms that Russia (former colony) greatly influenced his country’s economic, political and social development –both in the positive and negative sides. Russia occupation of Uzbekistan marked the turning point in the history of the Central Asian country. For instance, it led to formation and development of Uzbek Socialist Republic back in the year 1865. During this period, Uzbekistan became famous for cotton farming in the whole world.
The respondent’s most favorite movie that is locally produced in his home country is Courageous while his favorite popular song is Bookyasirarafayt. Uzbekistan as a country was also rich in a number of natural resources. According the initial plans of the Soviet Union, they were determined to take control of the entire Central Asia. The British however botched the plan as they equally had interest in the Asian continent. Intervention by the British colonialists did not go down well with Russia leading to unprecedented quarrel that culminated into fierce fight between the British colonialists and Russia popularly known as ‘The Great Game.’ However, the declined to give the name of the song, movie or book that is probably associated with Soviet Union, which once colonized Uzbekistan or any other country that currently, hold power over Uzbekistan.
The country adopted its first constitution since attaining independence on December 8, 1992. The document that clearly defines the basis on which the people of Uzbekistan would be governed is clear on the country’s orientation. December 8 became a public holiday popularly known to the Uzbekistan as the Constitution Day. Uzbekistan’s culture is one of the brightest and original cultures of the East. The country characterized by rich culture particularly in music, painting, dances, national kitchen and clothes. The national music for instance, is described by a wide variety of subjects and genres. The tools just like the songs always play according to forms of usage and functions and are divided into two groups namely: There are those performed in special occasions and circumstances, and those that are performed at any time. All songs that are connected to traditions, labor processes, various ceremonies, games and dramatized entertainment. Koshuk is a typical household song that covers one or two rows of the poetic text.
The dance of Uzbeks clearly shows smoothness, softness as well as expressiveness. Samarkand in particular has achieved significant success following the development of different style direction. The national clothes of the Uzbeks have always remained relevant with the current trend and fashion. Men in particular wore direct cover shirts, underside as well as top dressing gowns. The dressing gowns are very light and made up of cotton wool. In addition, there are cuts on each side of the gown to ease walking when the man wears it. The trousers were also wide enough with a direct breed lent right from the top to the bottom. The female clothes were mainly dressing gowns, and parangja equally of wide breed.
n Uzbekistan, tourism, handicrafts and culture are gradually becoming inseparable with local crafts become important element of culture among different groups of the Uzbeks society. The artisans still practice the ancient technique of making of ornaments for gemstone cutting, engraving and enameling. These products are purchased by the tourists hence an important sector that boost local economy. The art of weaving of carpet is also one of the oldest practices in Asia and the East at large. Carpet weaving is practiced in some of the major towns and cities in Uzbekistan. Woodcarving is practiced in some of the major towns and has been adapted in the modern interior design.
Music, songs, movies and literature influenced their culture and immensely affected their perception of the colonialist. Some of the movies explicitly reflected on the kind of mistreatment and brutality that the people of Uzbekistan went through in the hands of Soviet Union. Similarly, the music acknowledges the contributions of freedom fighters in ensuring the country was restored from Soviet Union rule. The different literature Uzbeks read about their country not only show the vigor and passion with which their predecessors fought for restoration of their country as well as the chronology of events that led to the declaration of 1991 political independence. Following a stay in the United States for several years, I have come to know different cultures across the globe. The influence of social and cultural background has greatly influenced and shaped the attitude and opinions among the Uzbekistan and others. If I had born in the country (Uzbekistan), the culture of the colonialists would immensely affect culture and my way of perceiving other people. This would include developing the feeling that the culture of a country like U.S. is better that that of Uzbekistan.
