At the 10th international round table of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Professor Azamat Seitov presented a report on “The Uzbek diaspora as a mediator of social change: Transcultural Identity and Connection with the Homeland”, in which he outlined a conceptual framework for understanding the diaspora not as a passive legacy of migration, but as an active and dynamic social organism. According to him, the Uzbek diaspora has a significant impact not only on the countries where they live, but also on Uzbekistan itself, forming a new dimension of transnational partnership.
Professor presented statistical data according to which about 5.5 million Uzbeks live abroad — almost 12% of the country’s population. The leading countries of residence remain Russia, Kazakhstan, South Korea, and Turkey. Seitov emphasized that the high natural population growth in Uzbekistan and the large proportion of young people create the conditions for further growth of the diaspora, including new waves of labor, educational, and family migration. This requires the development of a systematic state policy to include migration and diaspora potential in the national development strategy.
The report paid special attention to transformations within the diaspora itself: from a low-skilled workforce to communities of educated, professional Uzbeks capable not only of economic transfers but also of introducing innovative models of behavior, social norms, and cultural codes. The professor analyzed the experience of the diaspora in South Korea, where the second generation of migrants has successfully adapted, preserving their Uzbek identity while integrating into new cultural environments.
An important topic of the report was the transcultural identity of the diaspora as a result of the complex interaction between the native culture and the culture of the host society. The professor noted that the successful integration of the diaspora is accompanied by the preservation of language, traditions, and social structures, as well as the development of “synergistic” forms of identity. He emphasized the need to maintain ties with the historical homeland, especially with the second and third generations of migrants, through cultural centers, digital platforms, educational programs, and grants.
In conclusion, Professor Seitov emphasized that the Uzbek diaspora is not a drain, but a strengthening of social capital. It can become an important actor in promoting reforms, transferring knowledge and technology, strengthening cultural diplomacy, and developing new models of social interaction. The state should view the diaspora as part of national development, investing in the formation of transcultural competencies in the new generation of Uzbeks.
* The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.
