Tag
Islam in Central Asia
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.
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.
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.
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.