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Population: 2,300,000+ (2005 estimate)

Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, lies in a great oasis along the Chirchik River in the foothills of the Tian Shan Mountains. One of the oldest cities in Central Asia, Tashkent was once a significant rest stop and trading center where merchants and caravans could find refreshment after crossing the mountains and deserts between Samarkand/Bukhara and China on the Great Silk Road.

The Earthquake

In 1966 Tashkent was destroyed by a large earthquake (7.5 on the Richter scale). Over 300,000 people were left homeless, but the rebuilding efforts were very successful. The modern city of Tashkent is the only one possessing a subway system in Central Asia. Although about 50% of the people in Tashkent are Uzbek, the city is also home to significant Russian (30%), Tatar, Tajik, Kazakh, and Korean ethnic minorities. As a significant transportation hub, the largest city, and the biggest industrial concentration in Central Asia, Tashkent greatly influences its region.

The Uzbek proverb, “a guest is more honorable than your father” reveals two things. First, hospitality is a high virtue. Uzbeks have been known to say, “What is a house for, if not for receiving guests? We must care for all those that God brings to our door.” Second, the proverb tells us that family is highly valued. The authority of a father or mother is highly regarded, and children are expected to take care of their parents as long as they live.

The Religions of Tashkent

Until the Arab invasion in the eighth century, the prominent religions in the Tashkent region were animism and Zoroastrianism. Today, most Uzbeks are Sunni Muslims who also practice folk Islam, which includes various animistic practices. A significant minority also claims not to be religious, as a result of communist influence.

In Tashkent most of the people from European ethnic minority groups call themselves Christians. However there are less than 10,000 (5,000 to 10,000 nationwide) who have a real living faith. There are a few small but growing Uzbek fellowships in Tashkent. Evangelizing Muslims is prohibited. Persecution of practicing Christians from both the government and society is very real. Uzbek believers have received very harsh treatment, including beatings and torture.

Prayer guide for Tashkent, Uzbekistan:

* Tashkent is being prepared for a church-planting movement through good training of believers. Pray that each of the city’s 11 districts will be evangelised.

* Uzbek believers are learning to use their homes as a place to be hospitable to the body of Christ. Pray that the believers of Tashkent would be even more active, bold, intentional and Spirit-filled.

* Some believers are getting a vision to multiply and proclaim the good news throughout Central Asia. Pray that the Church would go forth from Tashkent and be a healing agent in this hurting land.

Background information, map and statistics about Uzbekistan are on this page.

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Filed under: Asia, Central by TDI | Email this story