UZBEK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS IN GERMANY: SOCIAL INTEGRATION, CULTURAL CONTINUITY AND THE ROLE OF THE "VATANDOSHLAR" PUBLIC FOUNDATION

Educational mobility, labour migration, scientific cooperation and family reunification have contributed to the gradual formation of an Uzbek community in Germany. Uzbek community councils, registered associations and informal cultural groups provide social networks for migrants and help preserve language, traditions and connections with Uzbekistan. This paper examines the functions of Uzbek community associations in Germany using information published by the “Vatandoshlar” Public Foundation. The Foundation’s official database lists several organizations operating in Germany, including Sharqona e.V., Nihol e.V., Davra e.V., Anor Uzbek-German Cultural Centre, O‘zbegoyim Women’s Community and Iftihor e.V. Their activities demonstrate that Uzbek associations increasingly combine cultural preservation with social integration, educational cooperation, youth engagement and women’s professional development. The paper argues that stronger coordination, transparent governance, professional advisory services and cooperation with German institutions can transform these associations into sustainable bridges between the Uzbek diaspora, German society and Uzbekistan.