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Most Uzbeks live in urban areas and are active
in science, education, trade, and the handicraft
industry, mainly dealing in silk. The few who
live in rural areas are herdsmen and farmers.
Traditional Uzbek dress is characterized by
its small cap. Both men and women wear small
hats which are either embroidered or made with
wool and fur. Women also wear ear muffs over
their hats.
The Uzbeks came into northern China from Central
Asia several centuries ago. Traveling along
the famous"silk road," they engaged
the Chinese in trade, and eventually settled
in Xinjiang province. Today, their culture still
centers around Islamic traditions. Funerals
are important in Uzbek culture, and the deceased's
children stay in morning for seven days after
a death. Muslim priests must come 40, 70 and
100 days after to chant scriptures from the
Qur'an.
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