This holiday is celebrated in honour of the establishment of the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan. On January 14th 1992, shortly after independence from the Soviet Union, the Uzbek parliament transferred all the military units deployed on the country under the jurisdiction of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The Armed Forces of Uzbekistan are considered to be the largest and strongest military in Central Asia.
On December 29th 1993 “January 14th” was declared as the Day of Defenders of the Native Land.
Though not a public holiday, this is still a popular event and is widely marked across the country. On this day ranks of servicemen are paraded in full uniform in the capital Tashkent to receive congratulations and awards from the country’s leadership.