After the massacre of 2010, they dislike the Uzbeks in Kirgizia. Uzbeks avoid settling in the same neighbourhoods with Kirghizes and it’s difficult for them to find a job. Besides, they stopped teaching the Uzbek language even in Uzbek communities. Despite all this, Uzbeks do not want to go back to Uzbekistan and the reason for that is that nobody needs them there too.

The house of this elderly Uzbek woman has been burnt by some Kirghizes and since then she can’t get a permission to build a new house in her own yard… There was a gas explosion in her house and it made the Kirghizes think that they had some weapons, which made them leave the street. The houses of a neighbouring street, however, were all burnt down, 18 people were killed.

Tensions had been growing in southern regions of the republic after the April revolution in Bishkek and in June, 2010, it developed into interethnic violence. Kirghiz young people armed with tommy guns which they had taken away from the police, stormed into Uzbek communities on armored troop carriers and began the massacre.

According to some officials, 470 people have been killed (the unofficial number reaches 2000 and about 74% of the killed are Uzbeks). Over 300 thousand women and children escaped into Uzbekistan.

Uzbeks remain friendly and kind-hearted in spite of all oppession put upon them by the government of Kirgizia and its people. They receive some help from Refugee Committee of Denmark; some of them also have relatives who work in Moscow and send them money.

This is a panorama of the city of Osh, the largest Uzbek community. It is seen in the picture that after the attack, a lot of roofs need to be rebuilt; some of them have been already.

This city has always been inhabited by Uzbeks, but since the 80s, Kirghiz people began moving there demanding more land and a special treatment as a privileged group. The growing tension between the two nations resulted in the massacre.

Uzbeks refuse leaving the land of their ancestors and are determined to protect it, as well as their families.

These people must be very courageous and persistent to stay in their devastated city which once was beautiful and lively, and start everything from the beginning.

However, we should not forget about the fact that Osh is also a city through which they smuggle heroine. So its gangsters, both Kirghiz and Uzbek, certainly have something to do with the massacre which was followed by re-division of business, including shadow one.

According to a Kirghiz man, ‘Uzbeks have occupied the whole country and after the conflict they also receive financial support from Denmark, on which they build mansions for themselves.’ He also promises that in spring they will fight a revolution to ‘solve the problem. We’ll show them!’

Central Asia, despite stereotypes, is a great country with beautiful nature, original culture and tasty cuisine. It’s worth visiting in peace time, that’s for sure.

Location: Osh

via vasilymaximov