The term Uzbek, meaning "master of himself"—this accurately describes the people. Their love of freedom and sense of restlessness have often caused conflicts with the conquerors who have invaded their homeland, the west central Asian region known as Turkestan, throughout the centuries. Many are skillful bazaar artisans (silver and goldsmiths, leather workers, woodcarvers, and rug makers). The traditional social unit, which was based on kinship ties, is continuing to slowly break apart.

The majority of the Uzbeks are Sunni Muslims. The role of the numerous holy places of pilgrimage in Kazakhstan is less significant than in other territories of Central Asia where the tribal structures are still strong. Pre-Islamic shamanism (belief that there is an unseen world of many gods, demons, and ancestral sprits) survives in an Islamic form. Today the shaman (priest or medicine man) is a practicing Muslim who combines shamanistic trances with reciting Islamic prayers, fasts, and other Islamic practices.

Pray that the Lord of the harvest will send laborers among these no-choice Uzbeks.
Pray that God will supply and multiply "seed for the sower and bread for the eater."

There are no known followers of Christ among the Northern Uzbeks in Kazakhstan.

* Pray for God to bring forth His blessing, strengthening and healing weakening families and communities within the Uzbeks.
* Ask Him to cause His abundant life and love through Jesus to be widely embraced by these beloved families.

Scripture Prayers for the Uzbek, Northern in Kazakhstan.