FROM SPIRITUAL HERITAGE TO MIGRATION

This study examines the socio-historical development of the Uzbek ethnos formed in Central Asia, strengthening national identity through Islamic spirituality and religious science and culture, and the formation, socio-cultural status, and experience of preserving national identity of the Uzbek diaspora in Saudi Arabia in a unified context. First of all, the Uzbek ethnos is analyzed as a national unit that has gone through various historical tests - the colonial period, the Soviet regime, international migration - and at the same time managed to preserve its language, traditions, and Islamic spirituality. Secondly, it is shown that the Islamic religion and its scientific and cultural heritage in Central Asia - in particular, great scholars (for example, Imam al-Bukhari, Imam at-Termizi, etc.) - played a decisive role in creating spiritual and cultural harmony in Uzbek society. The third aspect is the situation of the Uzbek diaspora in Saudi Arabia, where the experiences of our compatriots living there in preserving their national identity, speaking the Uzbek language, continuing their traditions, as well as strengthening ties with the international Muslim community are analyzed. At the end of the study, it is determined that the study of the Uzbek ethnos as a socio-cultural unit, regardless of the region of residence - within the region and in the diaspora - is an important source for understanding national identity, developing interethnic integration, and continuing cultural and historical heritage.