The Samarkand klan (alternatively Samarqand) is an Uzbek clan led by Ismoil Jurabekov.
[6] The government of Uzbekistan, since the fall of the Soviet Union, has attempted to deny the existence of clan politics.
[8] Ismoil Jurabekov, the head of the Samarkand clan, is known as "the Gray Cardinal" because of his role in bringing Islam Karimov to power.
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.
[10] Interior Minister Zokir Almatov, from the Samarkand clan, also resigned in late 2005, citing poor health.