The Vanishing Generation: Faith and Uprising in Modern Uzbekistan

by Bagila Bukharbayeva

As a young reporter in Uzbekistan, Bagila Bukharbayeva was a witness to her countrys search for an identity after the collapse of the Soviet Union. While self-proclaimed religious leaders argued about what was the true Islam, Bukharbayeva shows how some of the neighborhood boys became religious, then devout, and then a threat to the country's authoritarian government. The Vanishing Generation provides an unparalleled look into what life is like in a religious sect, the experience of people who live for months and even years in hiding, and the fabricated evidence, torture, and kidnappings that characterize an authoritarian government. In doing so, she provides a rare and unforgettable story of what life is like today inside the secretive and tightly controlled country of Uzbekistan. Balancing intimate memories of playmates and neighborhood crushes with harrowing stories of extremism and authoritarianism, Bukharbayeva gives a voice to victims whose stories would never otherwise be heard.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

260 pages, Paperback

Published March 28, 2019

Reviews

[Ana-Maria Bujor · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are few books about the recent history of the country, so I was glad to find this one. It is even more important as the author was a witness to the Andijan massacre. But the book is about much more than that, showing an inside look into the overall repression of Muslim movements during the times of Karimov, with arrests, disappearances, beatings, murders, and even horrific attacks on children. Now while the regime has changed, one can only be skeptical, just like the author is, so such books are even more necessary to keep up the pressure.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A vivid account of Uzbekistan’s suppression of devout Muslims under Karimov’s regime.