Pray for Uzbekistan
A square framed by three great Islamic schools in Samarkand.
Photo: Registan_-_Gusjer.jpg: Gustavo Jeronimo from Aranjuez, Spain derivative work: MrPanyGoff, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
About Uzbekistan
The capital is Tashkent. People speak Uzbek. The largest faith is Islam.
Source: Wikipedia, with the cited sources it lists.
Prayer briefing for Uzbekistan
Last updated October 2026. Facts come from the sources listed below.
Current events
In mid October Samarkand hosted Central Asian foreign ministers and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for talks in the C5+1 format. Uzbekistan and the United States held the first meeting of a dialogue on an expanded strategic partnership, with large business agreements expected. Earlier in the month President Mirziyoyev attended regional summits in Turkmenistan.
We pray for: Immediate relief, safety and urgent help.
Leadership and politics
Uzbekistan is a presidential republic with strong central power. Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been President since 2016 and was re-elected in 2023 with about 87% of the vote, after a constitutional referendum. He has introduced economic, judicial and social reforms and improved ties with neighbours. The next presidential election is expected in 2030.
We pray for: Wisdom, integrity and justice for those in authority.
Economic health
The economy grew about 6.7% in 2024, and about 6% of people lived below the national poverty line in 2025. Money sent home by Uzbeks working abroad equalled about 14% of GDP.
We pray for: Provision for families and honest stewardship.
Social and cultural issues
About 85% of people are Uzbek, with Tajik, Kazakh, Russian, Karakalpak, Tatar and other communities (2021). Many families rely on relatives working abroad. Soviet-era farming shrank the Aral Sea and damaged the land, a burden still carried by those who live nearby.
We pray for: Reconciliation, peace and protection of the vulnerable.
Spiritual landscape
About 96% of people are Muslim, mostly Sunni, and about 2% are Eastern Orthodox, with other faiths about 2%, according to estimates. Most Christians belong to the Orthodox Church.
We pray for: Spiritual awakening, hope and the spread of truth.
Religious freedom
In its 2026 report, USCIRF recommended adding Uzbekistan to its Special Watch List. It highlighted the case of a man serving five years in prison for discussing religion over a meal with fellow Sunni Muslims. The US State Department did not add Uzbekistan to the list.
We pray for: Protection for believers and freedom to worship safely.
Historical wounds
Russia took control of the region during the 19th century, and a Soviet republic was set up in 1924. Intensive Soviet cotton and grain farming drained water and helped shrink the Aral Sea. After independence in 1991, Islam Karimov led the country for 25 years until his death in 2016.
We pray for: National healing, breaking old cycles and deep forgiveness.
Let us pray together
Our Father, we come to You together for Uzbekistan. Guide the talks and agreements of these weeks for the good of ordinary people. Give wisdom, integrity and justice to the President and all in authority. Provide for every family, and watch over those who work far from home. Bring peace between peoples, and care for those living with the damage around the Aral Sea. Let hope and Your truth reach every city and village. Protect believers of every background and give them freedom to worship and to speak of their faith. Heal the wounds of the past, and lead Uzbekistan in forgiveness and peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Sources
- YuzNews: C5+1 meetings in Samarkand and Rubio visit (Oct 2026)
- President of Uzbekistan: working visit to Turkmenistan (Oct 2026)
- World Bank: Uzbekistan overview, growth and poverty (2026)
- Wikipedia: Uzbekistan, people, religion and history (2026)
- Wikipedia: List of countries by remittances received, World Bank data (2024)
- Interfax: Mirziyoyev wins presidential election (Jul 2023)
- USCIRF: 2026 Annual Report event transcript (Mar 2026)
- USCIRF: 2026 recommendations (Mar 2026)
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