Tag
Islam in Central Asia
June 30, 2022
The Revival of Islam in Turkmenistan
By Merdan Amanov
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.
February 15, 2022
Uzbek Justice Ministry Sounds Alarm Over Divisive Religious Messaging
By Umida Hashimova
The Justice Ministry is alarmed about religious figures whose teachings blur the line between religion, their personal moral views, and the law.
December 10, 2021
Is Syria Still Calling to Would-be Uzbek Militants?
By Umida Hashimova
With a series of recent arrests, it seems Uzbek authorities believe that Syria remains an attractive destination for prospective fighters.
October 27, 2020
Understanding Tazabek, a Kazakh Islamic Celebrity
By Issatay Minuarov
A newly introduced weekly program on a Kazakh state TV channel has sparked sharp public criticism and a campaign against its host – Mukhamedzhan Tazabek.
September 09, 2019
Religion, Beards, and Uzbekistan’s Secular Government
By Umida Hashimova
The president of Uzbekistan reacted with new appointment and policy changes following the latest beard-shaving raids.
August 28, 2019
Kyrgyzstan Attempts to Isolate Local Islam
By Elmurat Ashiraliev
Kyrgyz authorities profess a separation of state and religion while also paradoxically preferring one version of Islam.
May 15, 2019
Islamic Tourism Has Great Potential in Uzbekistan
By Surayyo Usmanova
As Uzbekistan opens to the world, its many important religious sites can form the base of a tourism boom.
October 01, 2018
What is Tashkent’s Tolerance for Conservative Islam?
By Umida Hashimova
Uzbekistan defines the tolerance level in free speech and reveals its fear of conservative Islam.
September 06, 2018
Conservative Religious Bloggers Detained in Uzbekistan
By Catherine Putz
The arrests cast a pall on Uzbekistan's reform efforts and illustrate the boundaries of Tashkent's tolerance for debate.
April 04, 2018
Tradition and Changing Ideals Collide in Post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan
By Toby A. Cox
Some Kyrgyz people believe that Nooruz collides with Muslim values, but the vast majority still celebrate anyway.
July 12, 2017
Tajikistan and Central Asia's Culture Wars
By Catherine Putz
There’s no unweaving history’s tapestry in Central Asia.
May 27, 2017
Nuance Needed: Religious Laws and Enforcement in Tajikistan
By Catherine Putz
“Do people know what the laws are? If not, do the laws matter?”
Page 1 of 3