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ETHNOGRAPHY OF THE FERGANA VALLEY: A SYSTEM OF TRADITIONS,
NATIONAL CEREMONIES AND FOLK GAMES
Omonov Azamatjon Iqrorjon ugli
Fergana State University
07.00.01 History of Uzbekistan
Independent Researcher
Annotation:
This article discusses the ethnography of the Fergana Valley as one of the
important areas of tourism and the development of Uzbek traditional values, as a manifestation
of traditions and culture. It also analyzes the impact of rituals and holidays in the Fergana Valley
intangible cultural heritage system on the development of ethnotourism and tourist services on a
global scale, the impact of ethnotourism on the development of ethnotourism and the causes of
problems encountered in this process, the need to conduct scientific research on the impact of
folk games on the culture of ethnotourism in the development of ethnotourism and the
implementation of scientific approaches.
Keywords:
national ceremony, tradition, hospitality, ethnic group, value, goose game, wrestling
Today, as in all areas of development in new Uzbekistan, great attention is paid to national
values and traditions, including the traditions, ceremonies and holidays of the Fergana
Valley, which are of great interest to tourists from abroad. Although geographically the Fergana
Valley is located in the eastern part of the Republic of Uzbekistan, it is one of the most
historically, culturally and socially rich regions, and this valley is distinguished by its centuries-
old folk culture, ethnographic features, customs, ceremonies and traditions. The Fergana Valley
has long been a crossroads of various ethnic groups, religions and cultures. This situation is
reflected in its folk oral art, customs and social life.
The ethnographic features of the Fergana Valley population are clearly visible in their lifestyle,
clothing culture, work activities, food etiquette, hospitality and system of mutual relations.
Traditional professions such as farming, gardening, handicrafts and silk weaving are widespread
among the Fergana people. In particular, the art of weaving atlas and adras plays an important
role in the activities of women in this region. From an ethnographic point of view, the daily life
of the Fergana people has developed in accordance with national values. Today, the rituals and
traditions, religious beliefs of each nation and people, manifested as national values, are
fulfilling the task of restoring the original quality of life. First of all, when it comes to values, it
should be understood as a set of natural and social phenomena that are important in the life of a
person and humanity, serve the interests and goals of nations, peoples and social groups, and as a
social phenomenon formed in the process of people's practical activities. Interethnic harmony
and intercultural cooperation, which have been formed as a national value for the peoples of our
country, are recognized as a universal human value in the world community. The development
of tourism culture is an important factor in increasing the perception of our citizens about our
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national values, cultural heritage, and in the formation of a sense of national pride and honor.
Among the inhabitants of the Fergana Valley, traditions are manifested as a social institution that
regulates each stage of social life. These traditions include the processes of childbirth,
upbringing, family formation, and death. For example:
Beshik toy is a ritual associated with the first time a newborn baby is put to sleep in a cradle, and
blessings and healthy growth are wished for the child.
It is a ritual held when the first 40 days of a baby's life are completed, and it is celebrated with
special attention and respect.
Sunnat toy is a socially significant ritual that, according to Muslim traditions, marks the religious
maturity of a boy.
The bride's greeting and the bride's opening ceremony are ceremonies in which the bride is
introduced after the wedding and prayers are said by members of the community.
These traditions are not only ceremonial in nature, but also serve to maintain social solidarity,
community, and cultural coherence.
The inhabitants of the Fergana Valley have preserved their own unique styles in conducting
national ceremonies. In ceremonies associated with holidays, weddings, and religious dates,
historical layers are combined with modern elements. For example:
The Navruz holiday is a celebration of the arrival of the new year, celebrated with folk games,
wrestling competitions, and cooking competitions.
Ramadan and Kurban holidays are religious holidays that strengthen the traditions of giving,
kindness, and charity.
Wedding ceremonies are a multi-stage social institution, in which the groom's arrival, the
blessing, and the introduction of the bride and groom to society at the wedding are carried out in
stages.
These ceremonies are a clear expression of the religious beliefs, social worldview, and historical
thinking of the population.
Folk games of the Fergana Valley are an integral part of the ancient culture of the Uzbek people.
They are widespread among children and young people and have educational, aesthetic and
sporting value. The most popular folk games include:
Chilla is a game usually played on cold winter days and is aimed at increasing physical mobility.
Tug of war is a game that expresses teamwork and a test of strength.
Kiz kuwddi is a game full of dexterity and humor between young men and women.
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Goz oyn is a ceremonial game that demonstrates strength and speed between men.
Kurash is a sports game that takes a special place during holidays and demonstrates the physical
fitness of young men.
These games are closely connected with the labor processes, customs, and cultural thinking of
the people. Through them, national values, unity and cultural norms are instilled in young
people. The role of our mothers, wives and grandmothers in every new idea put forward in this
region and their implementation has been unparalleled. Therefore, Fergana women are an
important social group that preserves and continues folk traditions. Through them, cooking,
sewing, embroidery, weaving and folk oral art are passed down from generation to generation.
The active participation of women in family, rituals, holidays and folk games is of great
importance in maintaining cultural cohesion in society.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, it should be said that the Fergana Valley is a unique territory for ethnographic
studies. Its customs, rituals and folk games deserve special attention not only as a cultural
heritage, but also as a means of strengthening social unity. The ethnography of this region
creates broad opportunities for modern anthropological and cultural studies research.
At the same time, I can say that intangible cultural heritage and rituals should be recognized as
one of the main sectors of the development of tourism culture of countries. Therefore, studying
the culture of the Fergana Valley, preserving it and passing it on to future generations is one of
the urgent scientific tasks of today.
References
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of the Republic of Uzbekistan: Journal of macroeconomic stability, investment activity and
innovative development prospects. May 2019. https://tseu.uz.
2 ) Ablat Khojayev. Great Silk Road T.2007 .
3) M. Turapova Traditional holidays T.1999
4) Ibodullaev N. Tourist resources of Uzbekistan. Samarkand: SamISI, 2008. P.7.
