The Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic was a republic within the former Soviet Union, established in 1924. It was located in Central Asia and included the majority of the territory of present-day Uzbekistan. The republic was characterized by a planned economy and was heavily influenced by Soviet policies, including collectivization and industrialization. During its existence, the Uzbek SSR played a significant role in the Soviet economy, particularly in cotton production, which was often referred to as "white gold." The republic also experienced cultural developments, with efforts to promote the Uzbek language and heritage, although these were often overshadowed by the overarching Soviet ideology.