The Samarkand clan came to power in Uzbekistan in 1983 after it replaced the
Ferghana clan.
Ismoil Jurabekov, the head of the Samarkand clan, is known as "the Gray Cardinal" because of his role in bringing
Islam Karimov to power. In the following years, he continued to weaken the power of all clans in the country. Jurabekov became an adviser to Karimov, but was ousted in 2004 after criminal allegations were made against him, in a move thought to strengthen the rival Tashkent clan. Jurabekov had previously been one of the most powerful men in the country. Interior Minister
Zokir Almatov, from the Samarkand clan, also resigned in late 2005, citing poor health. == See also ==