Islam in Uzbekistan

Islamic practices in Uzbekistan, after enduring seven decades of Soviet-imposed atheism, are now being increasingly adopted by the younger generation. 

As Central Asian governments tighten restrictions on the hijab in the name of upholding secularism, devout Muslim women find themselves forced to navigate an increasingly difficult choice between their faith and the law.

As Islamic practices rise in Uzbekistan, authorities do their best to maintain a secular public sphere.

As the next school year approaches, it seems some officials are trying to pressure teachers and students to uncover. It’s a violation of their rights. 

Uzbek imams and religious bloggers occupy an influential space online in Uzbekistan.

Solidarity with and concerns about Palestine are not a new development among Uzbeks, but there have been a variety of responses to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

The popularity of religious figures in Uzbekistan is tied to their legitimacy, itself derived from their formal positions within government-affiliated religious institutions.

Although there are challenges, such as a lack of legislation and expertise, Islamic finance may present new avenues for attracting investment.

The apparently increasing number of hujra, clandestine religious classrooms, in Uzbekistan indicates a growing need for formal religious education that is not attainable for many at present.

A new wave of arrests in Uzbekistan have centered on religious lectures, songs, and social media posts, calling up memories of the not-so-distant Karimov era.

Despite some promising progress, USCIRF Chair Nury Turkel says Uzbekistan continues to severely restrict religious freedoms.

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

Given the increasingly prominent role of Islam in Uzbekistan's society, Muslim leaders felt it necessary to chime in on the recent protests.

Polygyny is not legal in Uzbekistan, yet some men seek out second wives anyway.

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

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

The new leadership of Uzbekistan is openly tackling a backlog of challenges, including in the field of religious freedoms.

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

Two men carried out two attacks, both were Uzbek -- does that matter?

Every Central Asian state has serious issues with freedom of religion, US advisory body says.

Uzbekistan offers insights into secular Islam within Central Asia and the legacy of Soviet influence.