Uzbek, Northern in Korea, South

People Name:	Uzbek, Northern
Country:	Korea, South
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	56,000
World Population:	32,497,200
Primary Language:	Uzbek, Northern
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	2.00 %
Evangelicals:	1.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Uzbek
Affinity Bloc:	Turkic Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Uzbeks are a Turkic people group located primarily in Central Asia. The earliest ancestors of the Uzbeks, the Central Asian Turks, aided Genghis Khan in his conquest of Eastern Europe in the 1300s. Eventually, as unity between the Turks and Mongols faded, numerous warring kingdoms were formed. It was from several of these kingdoms that the Uzbeks descended.

By the mid-1800s, most of the Uzbeks had been conquered by the Russians. They lived under czarist rule until the Bolshevik Revolution brought the Communists to power in 1917. The new socialist government forced many of the Uzbek nomads and farmers to live on collective farms. When the Soviet Union broke up in 1991, Uzbekistan became an independent nation.

Where Are they Located?

The vast majority of Uzbeks are located in either Uzbekistan or adjoining Central Asian nations, but there is a smaller Diaspora in other countries including South Korea.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Traditionally, most Uzbeks were semi-nomadic shepherds; however, today, most of those living in Northern South Korea either farm or live and work in larger towns and cities. Among those who farm, the principal crop is cotton. Fruits, vegetables, and grains are also grown.

Their common staple food is rice and "osh" is the national dish cooked with rice. Pasta is also a common food item. It was probably brought to Central Asia hundreds of years ago by Italian or Chinese traders who traveled along the Silk Road. Two favorite pasta dishes are ash (a noodle dish sometimes mixed with yogurt) and ashak (an Uzbek-style ravioli).

The traditional dress of the Uzbeks is very distinctive. But today, most wear Western style clothing, especially those who live in large, previously Soviet cities.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Uzbeks are Sunni Muslims. Like other Muslims, the Uzbeks believe that there is one God, Allah, whose will was revealed through the prophet Mohammed and then recorded in the Qur 'an.

The Uzbeks are not generally Orthodox Muslims. Many traditional beliefs have been mingled with their Islamic practices. Many of the younger generation are either atheists or non-religious.

What Are Their Needs?

The most pressing need of Northern Uzbek people in South Korea is to understand the truth of the loving God who has made provision for them to become His children through full payment for their sins. Who will pay the price to tell the?

Prayer Points

Pray for workers to go to the Uzbek people in South Korea, and for their hearts to be ready to receive their Savior.
Pray for networks of believing Uzbek families and fellowships that will throw the doors open for others to follow Jesus.
Pray for the Lord to bless the families among the Uzbek people with his presence and mercy.
Pray for believers among this people group to disciple others who will disciple still others.
Pray for Bible believing fellowships and churches among the Uzbek people to be planted and nurtured.