Islam in Central Asia

The content of state-sanctioned Islam conveyed online does not differ from what is published in books, but the delivery makes a difference.

Although Islam has been a part of Turkmen culture for centuries, public practice of Islam was largely suppressed during the Soviet Union and in the early independence era, too.

The Justice Ministry is alarmed about religious figures whose teachings blur the line between religion, their personal moral views, and the law.

With a series of recent arrests, it seems Uzbek authorities believe that Syria remains an attractive destination for prospective fighters.

A newly introduced weekly program on a Kazakh state TV channel has sparked sharp public criticism and a campaign against its host – Mukhamedzhan Tazabek.

The president of Uzbekistan reacted with new appointment and policy changes following the latest beard-shaving raids.

Kyrgyz authorities profess a separation of state and religion while also paradoxically preferring one version of Islam.

As Uzbekistan opens to the world, its many important religious sites can form the base of a tourism boom.

Uzbekistan defines the tolerance level in free speech and reveals its fear of conservative Islam.

The arrests cast a pall on Uzbekistan's reform efforts and illustrate the boundaries of Tashkent's tolerance for debate.

Some Kyrgyz people believe that Nooruz collides with Muslim values, but the vast majority still celebrate anyway.