Uzbek Wikipedia, a growing digital encyclopedia, remains a vital source of uncensored and community-contributed knowledge for the region. Notably, the Uzbek version now leads Central Asia in the number of published articles, outpacing Kazakh as the dominant regional language utilized, Wikipedia shares.
Since its 2003 inception, Uzbek Wikipedia has evolved from a modest number of pages to a robust resource with over 240,500 articles, effectively outpacing other regional counterparts. It has become a trusted source of information due to its commitment to free expression and data dissemination, counteracting the restraints imposed by authoritarian regimes.
In April, the Youth Affairs Agency introduced the "WikiOromgoh" (Wiki Camp) initiative to bolster the use of the Uzbek language online. Through this project, newcomers were taught article creation and editing techniques, resulting in a significant upsurge of Uzbek-language articles within the initial three days.
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The popularity of Uzbek Wikipedia has transcended language barriers, with local users opting to engage with content in their native language, reflecting a shift in regional digital consumption patterns. While Kazakh Wikipedia has been a major contender, Uzbek Wikipedia's initiatives, like the WikiStipendiya project, supported by the Youth Affairs Agency, have spurred impressive growth.
The increase in active users has enabled timely and objective coverage of global events, including the Ukrainian conflict. The platform has also emerged as an educational tool, benefiting students, professionals, and individuals keen to explore the Uzbek language.
A community of volunteers, including contributors like Nodir Atayev, has contributed to Uzbek Wikipedia's ascent. Atayev highlighted the transformational impact and potential of Wikipedia in raising awareness among Uzbek speakers and language learners. As the platform aims for a million articles in Uzbek, its growth trajectory remains promising, poised to serve the nation's 50mn Uzbek speakers.
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