Resettlements of the Poles to Uzbekistan were related to many events in the world history including both World War I, repressions of 1930s, and others.
New times for Polish diaspora started indeed at the end of the 20th century when Uzbekistan gained its Independence. The Polish cultural center "Svetlitsa Polska" established in Tashkent as far back as Novem-ber 15, 1989 received the status of the republican public association.
Later its branches appeared: Bukhara province branch and the cultural center "Polonaise" in Samarkand province, the Tashkent city branch "Zazhevye".
What has changed for the Poles with the establishment of the Center? First, they got the oppor-tunity to study the native language, to revive and to develop traditions and culture of the far historical motherland {a special polish class successfully delivers its activities in school No.72 of Tashkent city under the guidance of the Center). Second, there are series of thematic parties "Poles Whom You Should Know". These evenings are awaited, and people prepare for them very carefully. Third, the Center has become a place where the national holidays both of Uzbekistan and Poland are celebrated.
Starting from 2003 the Center organizes the Days of Polonnya when all Polish public organizations are gathered together.
Over the long time the Center's activists look after the graves of Polish soldiers buried in Uzbekistan.
Thanks to the Embassy of Poland, children of the Poles residing in our country travel to Poland where they stay in rest camps, learn the Polish language, and study closer and wider the Polish culture.