Biting the hand that feeds you

Shortly after the events of June 10 – 14, 2010 in southern Kyrgyzstan, Yulduz Usmonova, a popular singer from Uzbekistan, but now living in Turkey (where she's taken the first name, 'Yildiz') wrote a song to the people of Kyrgyzstan. The song has been banned in Kyrgyzstan, for obvious reasons, but is probably widely available. The words describe how the mindless violence not only destroyed homes and businesses, but also the culture of the Uzbeks who have lived in and worked this region for centuries. The Kyrgyz, a civilization of nomadic tribes are relative newcomers to settled city life. Until recently, Uzbeks were mainly farmers, merchants and bread bakers (and tax payers). Now, they have been driven from their businesses and lifestyle. They aren't welcome in their traditional homeland any longer.

SONG TO THE KYRGYZ

My Kyrgyz friend, you have betrayed so cheaply,

You have destroyed your own blessing.

You have caused pain to my Uzbek heart.

When tomorrow comes don't have regrets.

If you bury embers the fire will die

Don't harm your neighbor he too will fly.

If you kill and chase away all of your ethnic groups

Who will remain in your Kyrgyzstan?

Tell me, what will grow in your fields?

Who will drink their fill of your kimiz*?

You will miss the watermelon, melons, and nan,

You have sacrificed the farmers and the bakers

The centuries will not forgive blood.

Tell me, is there not one among the Kyrgyz with true faith?

If Uzbeks take revenge you will be finished;

When needed, you will ask forgiveness.

Yildiz Usmonova

*Traditional Kirghiz drink of fermented mare's milk

Click here to to watch Yildiz Usmonova's video of her song (with pictures of Uzbeks in Kyrgyzstan) on YouTube.