The Meskhetian Turks, an Islamic, ethnic Turkish group who have historically settled in what is now the area around the Georgian-Turkish border, were deported to Central Asia by Stalin during World War II, perhaps as a present from a dictator to his native land. They pursued a largely agrarian lifestyle in the Fergana Valley, where land and water are at a premium due to severe population density. Over 700 houses were damaged, burned or destroyed. A search for the reasons behind the sudden outbreak of violence brought only questions. In other words, this outbreak of violence was not just the result of a fight between youth in the bazaar, or a conflict between organized crime groups, or a clash between two groups of Islamic followers.
Experts believe that it was the result of underlying causes.
This clash, along with many other potential outbreaks of violence, has deep roots, roots that need examination and treatment. On the other hand, with the existing problems and conflicts in the Fergana region, with so much possibility for violent outbreaks, it is a measure of stability that little actual conflict has occurred. The events in Osh and neighboring Uzgen were random, perpetrated by people of all ages, social status, education levels and positions. Quite obviously, one can substitute Uzbek, Chechen, Tatar, Gagauz or any other nationality for Kyrgyz. In some regions of the Fergana Valley, nearly 50 percent of the population is under the age of 30.