Uzbekistan By: Kristy Elliott

Uzbekistan

Flag Eight-angled star symbolizes the unity and confirmation of the republic The crescent and star inside the eight-angled star are symbols of the Muslims Semurg (the bird) symbolizes the national Renaissance The entire composition aims to express the desire for peace, happiness, and prosperity

General Information Proclaimed independence September 1, 1991 from Soviet Union Slightly larger than California (227,338 sq mi) Population of over 24.8 million Capital is Tashkent (2.3 million) Republic President is Islam Karimov Uzbek and Russian are primary languages 88% Muslim and 9% Eastern Orthodox Located between Amu- Darya and Syr-Darya Rivers

Human Rights Government severely represses Muslims suspected of Islamic extremism; many people jailed and hundreds believed to have died due to prison disease and abuse Stifles religious expression for the Muslims Young Muslims have almost no options for religious instruction and some turn to underground Islamic extremist groups Country does not have a free press

Educational System Achieved 99% literacy rate Average schooling is 11 years Due to budget constraints, texts and other school supplies, teaching methods, curricula, and educational institutions are outdated, inappropriate, and poorly kept Enrollment rate steadily declining Problems began arising after the fall of the Soviet Union

Culture Men wear plain colors, except for older men that wear a brightly colored sash Nearly all wear a dopy, four- sided skull cap Women prefer sparkly material 1-2 braids signifies a married woman; more braids is a single woman Eyebrows that grow together over the bridge of the nose are considered attractive

Folk Art Art work is generally portable: clothes, arms, embroidery, jewelry, weaving, rugs Traditional art in form of calligraphy, arabesques, and carved doors Islam forbids depicting living things Painting revived under the Soviets

Holidays Independence Day- (September 1 st ) main national holiday; public outdoor parties and exhibitions are held in parks; celebrate nationality, friendship, solidarity, and mutual respect; Ramazan Hayit- (Coincides with the 9 th month of the Muslim calendar) spiritual and moral purification during a 30 day period of fasting called Uraza; fasting is a way of spiritual upbringing; used to remember deceased relatives, to visit aged and sick people, and to perform charitable work Navruz- (21 March) welcomes the coming of spring;; used the day to visit people, give gifts, and take part in public parties; celebrated for a month and used time to do voluntary work and beautify surroundings

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