The Ferghana Valley is one of the most densely populated geographical areas of the world. Borders demarcation of the three countries of the Valley, namely Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan was established in Soviet times putting aside any consideration of geographical, economic, ethnic and religious differences of the local population.
The new administrative arrangements decided by the Communist Party with the National Policy of 1930, divided the population favoured inter-ethnic hostility. Recently, in 2005 and 2010 the tension resulted in demonstrations and killings.
Increase in corruption
Politicisation of ethnic commuities
Growth of radical islamic organisations
Disputes over natural resources
Destabalising role of regional enclaves
Growing influence of international drug cartels
Growth in terrorist activities
Western countries exploitation of natural resources
Russia's influence in Central Asia
Lack of security coordination among Central Asian states hardening position of radical groups
Efforts at stabilisation by IGOs and NGOs*
The new administrative arrangements decided by the Communist Party with the National Policy of 1930, divided the population favoured inter-ethnic hostility. Recently, in 2005 and 2010 the tension resulted in demonstrations and killings.
 |
| Physical map of the Valley |
 |
| Distribution of population UNEP/Grid-Arendal Apr.2005 |
Main problems faced by the population in the valley (FEWER International):
Politicisation of ethnic commuities
Growth of radical islamic organisations
Disputes over natural resources
Destabalising role of regional enclaves
Growing influence of international drug cartels
Growth in terrorist activities
Western countries exploitation of natural resources
Russia's influence in Central Asia
Lack of security coordination among Central Asian states hardening position of radical groups
Efforts at stabilisation by IGOs and NGOs*
*A number of international organizations are working in the Valley carrying out projects of community mobilization and public awareness to reduce inter-ethnic tension
Introductory information
ICE Inventory of Conflict and Environment. American University - Washington D.C. - "Ferghana Valley. A Soviet legacy faced with Climate Change"(2011):
http://www1.american.edu/ted/ICE/ferghana.html
Frederick Starr (ed.) - Ferghana Vallery the hearth of Central Asia (June 2011)
http://www.mesharpe.com/extra/004Starr-Intro.pdf
http://www.mesharpe.com/mall/resultsa.asp?Title=Ferghana+Valley%3A+The+Heart+of+Central+Asia
Chatham House - Local and Regional Politics in the Ferghana Valley (Jan.2011)
http://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/default/files/public/Research/Russia%20and%20Eurasia/270111summary.pdf
Recent information
http://www.mercycorps.org.uk/files/file1134154677.pdf
Human Rights Watch - Skewed justice over 2010 conflict inj Kyrgyzstan (Oct.2012)
http://www.hrw.org/news/2012/10/28/kyrgyzstan-skewed-justice-over-2010-conflict
Ferghana News- Knut Vollebaek: The underlying reasons for the June events have still not been eradicated
http://enews.fergananews.com/articles/2790
Maps
http://www.grida.no/graphicslib/collection/environment-and-security-central-asia-ferghanaoshkhujand-area