Tag
Islam in Central Asia
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tajikistan and Central Asia's Culture Wars
By Catherine Putz
There’s no unweaving history’s tapestry in Central Asia.
Nuance Needed: Religious Laws and Enforcement in Tajikistan
By Catherine Putz
“Do people know what the laws are? If not, do the laws matter?”
The Kyrgyz Baptists: A Case Study in Religious Persecution in Central Asia
By Uran Botobekov
The troubling treatment of converted Baptists highlights the growing problem of radicalization in Central Asia.
What Did Kazakhstan Learn from the Almaty Shooting?
By Catherine Putz
Kulikbayev has already admitted guilt, but what lessons will the state draw from the tragedy?
Russia's Syria Policy Upsets Central Asian Muslims
By Uran Botobekov
Russia's support of Assad, and bombing of Sunni civilians, is viewed negatively by Central Asians.
At World Islamic Economic Forum, Tajikistan Looks for Support
By Catherine Putz
Dushanbe looks to parlay its Islamic credentials into increased financial support and investment.