Uzbeks in China
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (August 2025) |
اۉزبېکلر O‘zbeklar | |
|---|---|
| Total population | |
| 12,742[1] (2021) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Languages | |
| Religion | |
| Islam | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
Uzbeks are one of the 56 officially recognized ethnic groups in China.[2] The total population of China's Uzbeks in 2021 is 12,742,[1] scattered in Yining, Tacheng, Ürümqi, and Shache in Xinjiang. Most of them live in urban areas and a few in rural areas. The Danangou Uzbek Township is the only Uzbek township in Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, China. The Uzbeks in southern Xinjiang speak Uyghur because they have lived amongst the Uyghurs for a long time, and the Uzbeks in the pastoral areas of northern Xinjiang speak Kazakh.[3]
History
[edit]The history of Uzbeks in China dates back to the time of the Golden Horde, which existed in Central Asia and parts of China from the 13th to the 15th centuries. Many Uzbeks in China are descendants of merchants who traveled along the Silk Road, while others arrived in the 1750s following historical events[specify] in the region.[4]
Demographics
[edit]Uzbeks are one of the 56 officially recognized ethnic groups in China, with a population of approximately 10,000, making up less than 0.001% of the total population. They primarily reside in Xinjiang, particularly in cities such as Yining, Tacheng, Ürümqi, Shache, Yecheng, and Kashgar. Traditionally, Uzbeks in China have been urban dwellers, engaging in commerce and business. In the 1990s, less than 30% were farmers or herders; most were factory workers, technicians, and traders. Their literacy levels were among the highest in Xinjiang.
In 1953, more than 13,600 Uzbeks were recorded in China. By the 1964 census, this number had changed to around 7,700.[5]
Notable people
[edit]- Elihan Tore – President of the Second East Turkestan Republic
References
[edit]- ^ a b 中华人民共和国国家统计局, ed. (2021). 中国统计年鉴—2021. Zhongguo tong ji chu ban she. ISBN 978-7-5037-9625-8.
- ^ 胡鸿保; 张丽梅 (2009). 民族识别原则的变化与民族人口 [Changes in Ethnic Identification Principles and Ethnic Population]. Southwest University for Nationalities University Press (in Chinese) (4).
- ^ "乌孜别克族". 中华人民共和国国家民族事务委员会. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
- ^ UzDaily. "Evolution of Uzbek-Chinese historical and cultural ties". UzDaily.uz. Retrieved 12 June 2025.
- ^ "Uzbekistan-China: the centuries-old foundations of modern successful cooperation – uzbekembassy". Retrieved 12 June 2025.
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