THE HISTORY OF DUNGAN AGRICULTURE IN CENTRAL ASIA AND ITS CURRENT STATE

This article examines the historical development and current state of Dungan agricultural activities in Central Asia after their 1877-1881 resettlement from Chinese provinces. The methodology includes the analysis of historical materials, field research, and interviews in areas of compact settlement. The Dungans transferred traditional agricultural technologies, tools, and crafts to new territories and became pioneers in rice cultivation. The transformation of agricultural activities from traditional rice farming to modern vegetable-growing practices is shown. This shows the significant contribution of this small ethnic group to regional food security, although traditional crafts such as carting and mat weaving were lost during modernization.