Uzbekness and Islam: A survey-based analysis of identity in Uzbekistan

The article ascertains orders of preference in Uzbek identity by interviewing just over 200 citizens of Uzbekistan belonging to traditionally Muslim ethnic groupings. While almost everyone considers himself or herself a Muslim, the great majority perceive themselves above all as citizens of Uzbekistan. Moreover, their Islam is not reflected primarily in Islamic practice but rather in a somewhat nebulous Islamic traditionalism. They think, too, that the state should incorporate some minimal Islamic features. In the international arena, they tend to prefer Muslim over non-Muslim peoples and communities, but not necessarily as designations for labor migration. Finally, the focus of their interest is manifestly directed toward other post-Soviet successor states.