The story of Mennonites in Khiva

We were totally surprised to learn that Mennonites, a unique German- speaking religious community (from Switzerland and Netherland) migrated to Central Asia in the 1880s, settling in a village near Khiva.

So far, we have only come across Mennonites during our trip to North America - perhaps this shows our ignorance 🙈

Their influence on local life, education and even food is quite profound. So much so that there is actually a little museum documenting the community's lasting cultural and agricultural imprint on the region.

Initially, Mennonites moved from Switzerland and the Netherlands to Russia mainly because of religious persecution in Western Europe and the promise of land, religious freedom, and exemption from military service offered by the Russian Empire in the late 18th century. But then moved further eastward after Russia threatened to end their exemption from military service.

Muhammad Rahim Khan II - the Khan of Khiva - invited the Mennonites as they were seen as skilled workers, especially in agriculture.

Our guide told us, that some of the most eaten vegetables in Uzbekistan have actually been introduced by the Mennonites - crops like potatoes, cabbages, tomatoes, and aubergine.
Believe me, we had aubergine 🍆 and tomato 🍅, practically with every meal!!

Mennonites set up schools to teach their skills in carpentry, farming, and mechanics, influencing Khiva’s economy and technology. They even introduced photography - which is actually frowned upon in Islamic culture but the Khan was quite happy to have his picture taken.

Ultimately, the Mennonites disappeared from Uzbekistan with younger generations being either increasingly assimilated into Soviet society or emigration to Germany and North America

Sadly, we weren't supposed to take pictures in the little museum. Cheekily Fergus managed to get a couple.

There was even a picture of the German Bundespresident Steinmeyer with the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev (May 2019), when President Steinmeier travelled to Khiva to explore its historic heritage of the German Mennonites. Unfortunately, we couldn't snap a photo of it.Read more