Full History Of Uzbekistan In Timeline From 1902

1902: Andijan Earthquake

In 1902, Uzbekistan experienced the Andijan earthquake.

1907: Anglo-Russian Convention

The "Great Game" period is generally regarded as running until the Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907.

1912: Russian Population in Uzbekistan

In 1912, there were 210,306 Russians living in Uzbekistan.

1917: Russian Revolutions and Restrictions on Religion

After the Russian Revolutions in 1917 and the establishment of the Soviet regime, Jewish religious life in Uzbekistan, along with all other religions, became restricted.

1917: Bolshevik Revolution

In 1917, the Bolshevik Revolution marked the start of a second, less intensive phase of the "Great Game".

1920: Central Asia in Russian Hands

By the beginning of 1920, Central Asia was firmly in the hands of Russia.

October 1924: Creation of Uzbek SSR

On 27 October 1924, the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic was created.

1924: Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic Created

In 1924, national delimitation led to the creation of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic as a republic within the Soviet Union.

1924: Soviet Power

Islam is the dominant religion in Uzbekistan, although Soviet power (1924–1991) discouraged the expression of religious belief, and it was repressed during its existence as a Soviet Republic.

1926: Introduction of Latin Alphabet

In 1926, the Latin alphabet was introduced for the Uzbek language, undergoing several revisions in the 1930s.

1927: Establishment of Khovrenko Winery

In 1927, the Khovrenko Winery in Samarkand, the oldest and most famous winery in Uzbekistan, was established.

1935: Synagogue Closures in Samarkand

By 1935, only one synagogue out of 30 remained open in Samarkand, marking the repression of Jewish religious institutions.

1937: Korean Population Relocation

In 1937, Uzbekistan's ethnic Korean population was forcibly relocated to the region by Stalin from the Soviet Far East.

1938: Korean Population Relocation

In 1938, Uzbekistan's ethnic Korean population was forcibly relocated to the region by Stalin from the Soviet Far East.

1940: Introduction of Cyrillic Alphabet

In 1940, Soviet authorities introduced the Cyrillic alphabet for the Uzbek language, which was used until the fall of the Soviet Union.

1941: Uzbekistan Fought in Red Army

From 1941, during World War II, 1,433,230 people from Uzbekistan fought in the Red Army against Nazi Germany.

1945: World War II Ends

Until 1945, during World War II, 1,433,230 people from Uzbekistan fought in the Red Army against Nazi Germany.

1966: Tashkent Earthquake

In 1966, Uzbekistan experienced the Tashkent earthquake.

1970: Jewish Population in Uzbek SSR

In 1970, the registered Jewish population in the Uzbek SSR reached 103,000.

1970: Russian Population

The country counted nearly 1.5 million Russians, 12.5% of the population, in the 1970 census.

1974: Greek Population in Tashkent

The number of Greeks in Tashkent has decreased from 35,000 in 1974.

1977: Tashkent Metro Built

In 1977, Tashkent built a four-line metro system.

1981: Soviet Study of Highest Point

According to a 1981 Soviet study, the highest point in Uzbekistan is Khazret Sultan.

1984: Construction of Kosmonavtlar Station

In 1984, the Kosmonavtlar station on the Tashkent Metro was built with a space travel theme.

June 1989: Pogrom in the Fergana Valley

The majority of Meskhetian Turks left the country after the pogrom in the Fergana valley in June 1989.

1989: Russian Population

In 1989, Russians in Uzbekistan represented 5.5% of the total population.

1989: Karimov First Secretary

Since 1989, Islam Karimov was first secretary of the Communist Party of Uzbekistan.

June 1990: Declaration of State Sovereignty

On 20 June 1990, Uzbekistan declared its state sovereignty.

1990: Russian Minority Population

In 1990, the Russian minority population in Uzbekistan was 1.7 million.

August 1991: Declaration of Independence

On 31 August 1991, Uzbekistan declared independence after the failed coup attempt in Moscow.

December 1991: Joined the CIS

In December 1991 Uzbekistan joined the Commonwealth of Independent States.

December 1991: Islam Karimov Elected President

On 29 December 1991, Islam Karimov was elected as the first President of Uzbekistan.

1991: Independence of Uzbekistan

Before Uzbekistan's independence in 1991, it was part of the Soviet Union. After gaining independence in 1991, Uzbekistan created its own national teams for football, rugby union, basketball, and futsal.

1991: End of Soviet Control

In 1991, Soviet control ended in Uzbekistan, leading to a re-acquaintance with Islamic faith rather than an immediate rise in fundamentalism.

1991: Declaration of Independence

In 1991, Uzbekistan declared its independence as the Republic of Uzbekistan.

1991: Increased Popularity of Tennis

In 1991, after Uzbekistan's sovereignty, tennis became a very popular sport in Uzbekistan.

1991: Number of Russian language schools

In 1991, there were 1,100 Russian language schools functioning in Uzbekistan.

1991: Freedom House Ranking

Since the country's founding in 1991, the Freedom House has consistently ranked Uzbekistan near the bottom of its Freedom in the World ranking.

1991: Independence and Muslim Fundamentalism Concerns

When Uzbekistan gained independence in 1991, there were concerns that Muslim fundamentalism would spread across the region.

March 1992: Joined the UN

Uzbekistan joined the United Nations (UN) on 2 March 1992.

1992: Official Language and Script

In 1992, the Uzbek language became the only official national language and officially adopted the Latin alphabet.

1992: Education Law of 1992

The education law of 1992 began the process of theoretical reform in Uzbekistan's education program, but corruption has been a problem.

1992: Rampant Inflation

Uzbekistan experienced rampant inflation of around 1000% per year immediately after independence in 1992.

1993: Shift Back to Latin Script

In 1993, Uzbekistan shifted back to the Latin script (Uzbek alphabet) after the fall of the Soviet Union.

December 1994: Applied for WTO Membership

In December 1994, Uzbekistan applied for World Trade Organization membership.

1994: Oliy Majlis Replaced Supreme Soviet

In 1994, the Supreme Soviet was replaced by the Oliy Majlis.

1994: "Uzbekistan Economic Model"

Since 1994, the state-controlled media in Uzbekistan have repeatedly proclaimed the success of the "Uzbekistan Economic Model".

1994: Republican Stock Exchange Opened

The Republican Stock Exchange (RSE) opened in 1994.

1994: Rampant Inflation

Uzbekistan experienced rampant inflation of around 1000% per year immediately after independence in 1994.

1995: Economy Recovered

After the decline of Uzbekistan's economy, it recovered after 1995 due to policy reforms.

1995: Ethnic Groups in Uzbekistan

In 1995, about 71% of Uzbekistan's population was Uzbek, with minority groups including Russians (8%), Tajiks (3–4.7%), Kazakhs (4%), Tatars (2.5%), and Karakalpaks (2%).

1996: Modification of Latin Script

In 1996, the Latin script (Uzbek alphabet) introduced in 1993, was modified.

1997: GUAM Alliance Formed

In 1997, the GUAM alliance was formed.

1997: Inflation Rates Brought Down

Stabilization efforts with guidance from the IMF paid off and the inflation rates were brought down to 50% in 1997.

March 1998: Joined Central Asian Union

In March 1998, Tajikistan joined the Central Asian Union.

1998: Economic Growth

Beginning in 1998, Uzbekistan's economy showed robust growth, rising by 4% per year between 1998 and 2003.

1998: Increased Foreign Military Financing

Since 1998, Uzbekistan has received a growing infusion of Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and other security assistance funds.

1999: Joined GUAM Alliance

In 1999, Uzbekistan joined the GUAM alliance.

1999: Withdrawal from CIS Security Arrangement

In 1999, Uzbekistan withdrew from the CIS collective security arrangement.

1999: Inauguration of Tashkent Open

Since 1999, the Tashkent Open, an International WTA tennis tournament, has been held in Uzbekistan's capital city.

2000: Artur Taymazov's Inaugural Olympic Medal

Artur Taymazov won Uzbekistan's inaugural wrestling medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics.

2000: Karimov Re-elected

In 2000, Karimov was re-elected, receiving over 90% of the vote.

2000: Michael Kolganov Wins Olympic Bronze

In 2000, Michael Kolganov, an Uzbek-born sprint canoer representing Israel, won an Olympic bronze medal in Sydney in the K1 500-meter.

2000: Latin Script in Schools

Since 2000, the modified Latin script for the Uzbek language has been taught in schools.

September 2001: Approval of U.S. Access to Air Base

Following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, Uzbekistan approved the U.S. Central Command's request for access to the Karshi-Khanabad airfield.

2001: Expansion of Tashkent Metro

In 2001, the Tashkent metro was expanded after ten years of independence from the Soviet Union.

2002: Joined CACO

In 2002, Uzbekistan joined the new Central Asian Cooperation Organisation (CACO).

2002: Creation of Uzbekistan Tennis Federation

In 2002, the Uzbekistan Tennis Federation (UTF) was created.

2002: Inflation Rates Brought Down

Stabilization efforts with guidance from the IMF paid off and the inflation rates were brought down to 22% in 2002.

2002: Referendum and Bicameral Parliament Plan

The 2002 referendum included a plan for a bicameral parliament, and elections for the new parliament took place on 26 December.

2003: Economic Growth

Beginning in 1998, Uzbekistan's economy showed robust growth, rising by 4% per year between 1998 and 2003.

2003: IMF Obligations Accepted

In 2003, the government of Uzbekistan accepted the obligations of Article VIII under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) providing for full currency convertibility.

2003: Annual Inflation Rates Averaged Less Than 10%

Since 2003, annual inflation rates averaged less than 10%.

2003: Current Account Surplus

Thanks in part to the recovery of world market prices of gold and cotton the current account turned into a large surplus in 2003.

December 2004: Elections for Oliy Majlis

From December 2004, the second elections were held for the Oliy Majlis.

2004: Artur Taymazov's Olympic Gold Medal

In 2004, Artur Taymazov won an Olympic gold medal in Men's 120 kg wrestling.

2004: Rustam Kasimdzhanov Becomes FIDE World Chess Champion

In 2004, Rustam Kasimdzhanov became the FIDE World Chess Champion.

2004: US Aid to Uzbekistan

In 2004, the US gave Uzbekistan half a billion dollars in aid.

2004: CIA Factbook Estimate

The CIA Factbook in 2004 estimated that Muslims constitute 88% of the population.

2004: Religious Freedom Report

The U.S. State Department's International Religious Freedom Report in 2004 reported that 0.2% of the population are Buddhist.

2004: Greek Population in Tashkent

The number of Greeks in Tashkent has decreased to about 12,000 in 2004.

2004: Drastic Reduction of Inflation

Tight economic policies in 2004 resulted in a drastic reduction of inflation to 3.8%.

January 2005: Elections for Oliy Majlis

Until January 2005, the second elections were held for the Oliy Majlis.

July 2005: Order to Vacate Airbase

In late July 2005, the government of Uzbekistan ordered the United States to vacate an airbase in Karshi-Kanabad within 180 days.

November 2005: Withdrawal of U.S. Troops

In November 2005, the last US troops left Uzbekistan after Uzbekistan demanded the U.S. withdraw from the airbases.

2005: Pulled out of GUAM Organisation

In 2005, Uzbekistan pulled out of the GUAM organisation.

2005: Civil Unrest

In 2005, civil unrest in Uzbekistan resulted in several hundred deaths and is viewed as a landmark event regarding human rights abuses. The United States, the European Union, the United Nations, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights expressed concern and requested an independent investigation.

2005: Andijan Massacre

Since the Andijan massacre of 2005, where government troops fired into crowds of protesters, foreign journalists have been gradually expelled from Uzbekistan, and the press practices self-censorship.

2005: Current Account Surplus

Thanks in part to the recovery of world market prices of gold and cotton the current account turned into a large surplus in 2005.

2005: Protests in Uzbekistan

The population of Uzbekistan generally assumes that the 2004-2005 protests in Uzbekistan were promoted by the US and UK.

February 2006: International Crisis Group Report

In February 2006, a report by the International Crisis Group suggested that revenues earned from key exports are distributed among a small circle of the ruling elite, with little benefit for the populace.

June 2006: Full Participation in CSTO

On 23 June 2006, Uzbekistan became a full participant in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

September 2006: UNESCO Award for Cultural Preservation

In September 2006, UNESCO presented Islam Karimov an award for Uzbekistan's preservation of its rich culture and traditions.

October 2006: EU Delegation Planned

In October 2006, the EU announced it was planning to send a delegation to Uzbekistan to discuss human rights.

2006: Inflation Rates moved up to 6.9%

The inflation rates moved up to 6.9% in 2006 but have remained in the single-digit range.

May 2007: UzDaewooAuto Agreement with General Motors

In May 2007, UzDaewooAuto, the car maker, signed a strategic agreement with General Motors-Daewoo Auto and Technology (GMDAT).

July 2007: Cellular Phone Users

On 1 July 2007, the number of cellular phone users in Uzbekistan was 3.7 million.

2007: Jewish Population

Fewer than 5,000 Jews remained in Uzbekistan in 2007.

2007: Karimov Re-elected

In 2007, Karimov was re-elected, receiving over 90% of the vote.

2007: Chagaev wins the WBA champion title

In 2007, Ruslan Chagaev representing Uzbekistan in the WBA, won the WBA champion title after defeating Nikolai Valuev.

2007: Inflation Rates moved up to 7.6%

The inflation rates moved up to 7.6% in 2007 but have remained in the single-digit range.

January 2008: Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva Appointed Ambassador to UNESCO

In January 2008, Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva was appointed as Uzbekistan's ambassador to UNESCO.

March 2008: Cellular Phone Users

As of 10 March 2008, the number of cellular phone users in Uzbekistan reached 7 million.

2008: GDP Doubled Since 1995

According to IMF estimates, the GDP in 2008 would be almost double its value in 1995 in constant prices.

2008: Artur Taymazov's Olympic Gold Medal

In 2008, Artur Taymazov won an Olympic gold medal in Men's 120 kg wrestling (later revoked).

December 2009: Oliy Majlis Elections

On 27 December 2009, the third elections for the bicameral 150-member Oliy Majlis were held.

2009: Pew Research Report on Muslim Population

According to a 2009 Pew Research report, Uzbekistan's population is 96.3% Muslim, with varying affiliations.

2009: Alexander Shatilov wins world bronze medal

In 2009, Alexander Shatilov won a world bronze medal in artistic gymnastics.

2009: Chagaev loses WBA title

In 2009, Ruslan Chagaev lost his WBA champion title to Vladimir Klitschko.

2010: Foreign Exchange Reserves

In 2010, foreign exchange reserves amounted to US$13 billion.

2010: Annual Inflation Rates Reached Almost 40%

Since 2003, annual inflation rates varied, reaching almost 40% in 2010.

August 2011: First Trip of Talgo 250 Train

On 26 August 2011, the new high-speed electric train Talgo 250, called Afrosiyob, took its first trip from Tashkent to Samarkand.

September 2011: Launch of High-Speed Railway

In September 2011, Uzbekistan launched the first high-speed railway in Central Asia between Tashkent and Samarqand.

2011: Alexander Shatilov wins world bronze medal

In 2011, Alexander Shatilov won a world bronze medal in artistic gymnastics.

2011: FC Nasaf Qarashi Wins AFC Cup

In 2011, FC Nasaf Qarashi won the AFC Cup, marking the first international club cup for Uzbek football.

2011: Fergana Valley Earthquake

In 2011, Uzbekistan experienced the Fergana Valley earthquake.

2011: Cotton and Gold Production

In 2011, Uzbekistan was the world's seventh-largest producer and fifth-largest exporter of cotton as well as the seventh-largest world producer of gold.

June 2012: Suspension of CSTO Membership

In June 2012, Uzbekistan informed the CSTO that it would suspend its membership.

October 2012: Toughening Internet Censorship

In October 2012, the government of Uzbekistan toughened internet censorship by blocking access to proxy servers.

2012: Artur Taymazov's Olympic Gold Medal

In 2012, Artur Taymazov won an Olympic gold medal in Men's 120 kg wrestling (later revoked).

2012: Agriculture in Uzbekistan

In 2012, agriculture employed 27% of Uzbekistan's labor force and contributed 17.4% of its GDP.

2012: Securities Market Volume

Securities market volume reached 2 trillion in 2012.

January 2013: Listed Companies Exceeded 110

As of January 2013, the number of listed companies exceeded 110.

2013: Remaining Jewish Community

As of 2013, a small community of several thousand Jews remained in Uzbekistan, with approximately 7,000 in Tashkent, 3,000 in Bukhara, and 700 in Samarkand.

2015: Reports on Human Rights Violations

As of 2015, reports on violations of human rights in Uzbekistan indicated that violations were still ongoing without any improvement.

2015: Karimov Re-elected

In 2015, Karimov was re-elected, receiving over 90% of the vote.

2015: Gold Production

In 2015, Uzbekistan's gold production was 102 metric tons.

2015: Increase in Islamist Activity

Since 2015, Uzbekistan has seen a slight increase in Islamist activity, including some organizations declaring allegiance to Daesh.

2015: Uzbek Super League Composition

Since 2015, Uzbekistan's premier football league, the Uzbek Super League, has consisted of 16 teams.

August 2016: Hasanboy Dusmatov's Olympic Gold and Val Barker Trophy

In August 2016, Hasanboy Dusmatov won a gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics and was awarded the Val Barker Trophy.

September 2016: Mirziyoyev Appointed Interim President

Following Islam Karimov's death on 2 September 2016, Shavkat Mirziyoyev was appointed as interim president.

September 2016: Death of Islam Karimov

In September 2016, Islam Karimov died, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev was later appointed as interim president.

December 2016: Mirziyoyev Elected President

In the December 2016 presidential election, Mirziyoyev was elected as the country's second president.

December 2016: Dusmatov Honored with AIBA Boxer of the Year Award

On 21 December 2016, Hasanboy Dusmatov was honored with the AIBA Boxer of the Year award at a 70-year anniversary event of AIBA.

2016: Death of Islam Karimov

In 2016, Islam Karimov died and was succeeded by Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who is generally regarded as pursuing a less autocratic course.

September 2017: Currency Becomes Fully Convertible

In September 2017, Uzbekistan's currency became fully convertible at market rates, marking a step in its transition to a market economy.

2017: Revocation of 2008 Olympic Gold

In 2017, Artur Taymazov's 2008 Olympic gold medal was taken away after a re-testing of samples from the Beijing Games.

2017: Mobile Users

In 2017, the number of mobile users in Uzbekistan was more than 24 million.

2017: Amnesty International Report

The Amnesty International report on Uzbekistan for 2017 found some remnant repressive measures and lack of rule of law in eradicating modern slavery.

2018: Sovereign Credit Rating

From 2018, Uzbekistan received a BB− sovereign credit rating by both Standard and Poor's (S&P) and Fitch Ratings.

2018: GNI Per Capita

In 2018, Uzbekistan's GNI per capita was US$2,020 in current dollars, giving a PPP equivalent of US$7,230.

2018: Foreign Exchange Reserves

In 2018, foreign exchange reserves, including gold, totalled around US$25 billion.

2018: Freedom House Report

In the 2018 report, Uzbekistan was one of the 11 worst countries for Political Rights and Civil Liberties.

2018: Amnesty International Report

The Amnesty International report on Uzbekistan for 2018 found some remnant repressive measures and lack of rule of law in eradicating modern slavery.

2019: Diversified Economy

As of 2019, Uzbekistan's economy is one of the most diversified in Central Asia.

2019: Webster University Graduate School Opening

As of 2019, Webster University, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, opened a graduate school offering an MBA in Project Management and a MA in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL).

2019: Language Preference in Urban Areas

As of 2019, many Uzbeks in urban areas felt more comfortable speaking Russian, while Uzbek was more present in agricultural regions.

2019: Internet Users

As of 2019, the estimated number of internet users in Uzbekistan was more than 22 million, representing about 52% of the population.

2019: Stripping of London 2012 Olympic Gold

In 2019, Artur Taymazov was stripped of his London 2012 Olympic gold medal after re-analysis of stored samples.

2019: Establishment of Humo Tashkent Hockey Team

In 2019, Humo Tashkent, a professional ice hockey team, was established with the aim of joining the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Humo also joined the Supreme Hockey League (VHL) for the 2019–20 season. The Uzbekistan Hockey Federation (UHF) began preparing to form a national ice hockey team.

2019: End of Soviet-style exit visas (scheduled)

In 2019, Soviet-style exit visas were scheduled to be abolished.

2019: Annual Inflation Rates Reached Less Than 20%

Since 2003, annual inflation rates varied, reaching less than 20% in 2019.

February 2020: United Nations Announcement on Forced Labor

In February 2020, the United Nations announced that Uzbekistan had made "major progress" on stamping out forced labor in its cotton harvest, with 94% of pickers working voluntarily.

March 2020: Law on National Census

In March 2020, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a law that demands a national census take place at least every 10 years.

April 2020: Draft Bill on Uzbek Language Use

In April 2020, a draft bill was introduced in Uzbekistan to regulate the exclusive use of the Uzbek language in government affairs, which faced criticism and was ultimately unsuccessful.

May 2020: Sardoba Reservoir Dam Collapse

In May 2020, a dam collapse at Sardoba Reservoir caused flooding, deaths, and evacuations.

July 2020: WTO Accession Meeting

On 7 July 2020, The Working Party on the Accession of Uzbekistan to the WTO held its fourth meeting.

November 2020: Census Cancelled

In November 2020, the first census was cancelled due to concerns about coronavirus.

2020: Pew Research Projection

A 2020 Pew Research projection stated that Uzbekistan's population is 96.7% Muslim.

2020: Youth Population

In 2020, 23.1% of Uzbekistan's population was younger than 16.

2020: Ease of Doing Business Ranking

In 2020, Uzbekistan improved marginally in the Ease of Doing Business ranking by the World Bank.

2020: United Nations Report on Sustainable Development Goals

In 2020, a United Nations report highlighted significant progress towards achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals in Uzbekistan.

2020: Contamination of Former US Base

In 2020, it was revealed that the former US base was contaminated with radioactive materials which may have resulted in unusually high cancer rates in US personnel stationed there.