Dungans in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is one of the important multicultural regions in Central Asia due to hosting the largest Dungan population in the area. The Dungans, who migrated from northwest China to Kyrgyzstan in the late 19th century, developed a unique social structure by preserving both their Muslim identity and Chinese cultural elements together. The purpose of this study is to reveal the traditional customs, traditions, beliefs, and practices shaped within the Dungan society in the context of history, religion, language, and culture. Beliefs and practices related to various stages of life (birth, wedding, death, and religious worship) are examined, and the synthesis of Islamic influences with Chinese cultural elements in Dungan culture is evaluated. The data for this research was obtained from interviews conducted with Dungans. The interview technique, one of the qualitative research methods, was used, and the data were analyzed through content analysis. After fleeing oppression in China and migrating to Central Asia, the Dungans have particularly succeeded in agriculture and trade. Socio-culturally, they remained under the strong influence of Islam and traditional values, established peaceful relations with local communities, and integrated into society while preserving their identity. As a result of this thesis, it was determined that the belief system of the Dungans in Kyrgyzstan reflects a unique identity structure in which both the institutional framework of Islam and some cultural traces of Chinese origin are intertwined. This situation shows that while preserving their religious identity, the Dungans also keep their historical roots alive. Moreover, it has been observed that, influenced by the Kyrgyz society they live in, there is a growing tendency towards Sunni practices within Islamic rituals over time.