Abstract

This study delves into the experiences of three distinct ethnic groups—Uyghurs, Dungans, and Kurds—shedding light on how the disintegration of the USSR thrust them into a critical juncture. During this period, a wave of Slavic migration to Russia occurred, accompanied by local nationalist sentiments such as "Kazakhstan is for Kazakhs, Kyrgyzstan is the homeland for Kyrgyz." Stateless minorities found themselves grappling with a profound question: "Once Soviet citizens, who are we now in this new era?"