Merosimiz · میراثیمیز
The language, history, music, clothing, food and customs of Uzbek and Turkic communities from Afghanistan, kept alive for the next generation.
This page is a starting point. If you have a correction or something to add, especially from our elders, please tell us.
Uzbeks are one of Afghanistan’s major communities, living mostly in the northern provinces such as Jawzjan, Balkh, Faryab, Sar-e Pul and Samangan. Their language and traditions belong to the wider Turkic world of Central Asia.
Uzbek is a Turkic language. In Afghanistan it has traditionally been written in Arabic script, while Uzbekistan officially uses Latin script today. Many of our materials appear in more than one script.
Alisher Navoi (1441–1501), who wrote in Chagatai Turkic and was born in Herat, is honored by Uzbeks everywhere. In 2026 we marked his birthday with a community event.
Songs and instruments such as the dutar, a two-stringed lute, and the doira, a frame drum, accompany weddings, holidays and gatherings.
Traditional dress includes the chapan, a long striped robe, and the doppi, an embroidered cap, along with richly embroidered and woven fabrics.
Palov, manti and shurpa are central to family gatherings. Guests are welcomed with tea and bread, and Navruz, the spring new year, is a time to celebrate together.
Start with our Library and Videos. Our team works in English, Dari and Uzbek, so you can ask questions in the language you know best.
We would like to gather stories, songs and games for children in Uzbek. If you have some to share, please write to us.
Our elders carry the history of our families, villages and traditions. We would like to record their stories in writing and in audio, only with their permission.
Over time we hope to gather these materials in our Library, with permission from the people who share them, so that future generations can learn from them.
Share a story, volunteer, or support our language and culture programs.
