The history of Uzbek emigration represents a complex, multilayered phenomenon shaped by political upheavals, imperial collapses, colonial governance, ideological repression, and the enduring human aspiration for cultural survival. This article offers a comprehensive historical and ethnographic analysis of Uzbek emigration from the late nineteenth century through the Soviet and post-Soviet periods, grounded strictly in the works of Hayitov, Saidov, and Sog‘uniy. Drawing on historical narratives, ethnographic observations, memoir literature, and reflective essays produced by émigré intellectuals, the study examines how forced migration, voluntary exile, and refugee movements contributed to the formation of Uzbek diasporic communities across Central Asia and beyond. Particular attention is given to the intellectual, moral, and cultural dimensions of emigration, emphasizing how émigré scholars conceptualized homeland, identity, and responsibility toward future generations. Methodologically, the article relies on textual-historical analysis and interpretive ethnography, avoiding quantitative abstraction in favor of deeply contextualized description. The findings reveal that Uzbek emigration cannot be reduced to a single wave or cause; instead, it constitutes an ongoing historical process in which displacement, adaptation, and cultural preservation interact dialectically. The discussion further explores the tensions between assimilation and cultural continuity, the role of memory and narrative in sustaining national consciousness, and the ethical dilemmas faced by emigrant elites. By situating Uzbek emigration within broader debates on exile and diaspora, the article contributes to a richer understanding of Central Asian migratory history while highlighting the enduring relevance of émigré thought for contemporary identity discourse.

Uzbek emigration, diaspora history, exile narratives

Hayitov, Sh. A. History of Uzbek emigration. Tashkent, 2008.

Hayitov, Sh. A., & Saidov, I. M. History and ethnography of Uzbeks abroad. Samarkand, 2015.

Hayitov, Sh. A., & Hayitova, Sh. On the issue of Turkestan refugees. Tafakkur, 2012.

Sog‘uniy, A. What I said to the people of the homeland. O‘zbegim, 1992.