Religion in Asian Country of Uzbekistan

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Religion in Asia and Colonial Influence
Religion in Uzbekistan
Religion among the Uzbek Ethnic Group
Use of Education to Teach Religion among the Uzbek Ethnic Group
Uzbekistan Government View on Religious Movements
Challenges Facing Religion among Uzbeks
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

The Asian culture has had significant influence from several religions, including Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Shamanism. A significant country of focus in the Central Asian region is Uzbekistan, with further research on religion among the Uzbek ethnic group. Uzbeks are a predominantly Muslim community in Uzbekistan and other countries in Asia. In recent years, Uzbekistan has witnessed dramatic changes with the evolving relationship towards religion in the country. Despite the country’s dominant religion being Islam, the other 15 denominations coexist harmoniously (Hamdamovich 72). Uzbekistan’s rich religious history transcends the diversity of its ethnic groups, including Uzbeks. Uzbeks have a wealth of creativity passed down through generations and used in raising spiritually and morally pure youth. The religious tolerance among Uzbeks in a multi-ethnic country creates the need for a global focus on Uzbekistan’s strategies for religious coexistence, given the country’s trend-setting for countries that support religious tolerance.

Religion in Asia and Colonial Influence

Despite many having religions, Asia is often considered a peripheral area to the Muslim world. The region has experienced intellectual effervescence, including scientific, theological, and philosophical advances, and significant political, economic, cultural, and religious changes post-communist rule (Isaeva et al. 306). Due to the soviet influence, Uzbekistan witnessed the repression of traditional Central Asian Islam, which led to religious secularism and increased Orthodox practices (Cornell and Zenn 7). Against the complex religious background in Asia and Central Asia, the independent state of Uzbekistan, alongside other Central Asian countries, established a secular government. Uzbekistan protected its society from hostile religious ideologies while guaranteeing religious pluralism. The impact of the Russian colonization and assault on religion resulted in the Central Asian region remaining with a few mosques by the mid-1920s (Cornell and Zenn 13). Therefore, the soviet influence led to the area becoming secularized, given the existence of several religions.

Religion in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan, a former Soviet republic, has had profound religious influence and has constantly evolved in seeking to find its religious standing and identity. Redefining the state’s relationship with religion was a significant challenge to Uzbek authorities at independence (Cornell and Zenn 17). Along with Islam, various other religions have developed in Uzbekistan without interfering with each other. The country uses religion and education to strengthen the bonds of solidarity and acquaintance with the world community (Rustamov 50). Uzbekistan has a rich history of interreligious and interethnic tolerance. The country is a trendsetter to other multicultural nations in the world in religious tolerance and interreligious dialogue, which receive government attention (Hamdamovich 74). Regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion, residents of Uzbekistan receive the same treatment. Uzbekistan has a rich history of religious tolerance within its borders, given the multiple religious beliefs among ethnic groups.

Historical evidence shows the development of religion in Uzbekistan, from shrines and cults to the advent of Islam and the inception of other faiths. Since the entire establishment of Islam in the country, various ancient religions have undergone significant changes. Some pre-Muslim religious beliefs and practices were adopted into Islam, for instance, the integration of pilgrimage and the visits to tombs and graves (Djuraeva 75). The emergence of places of pilgrimage in Central Asia and Uzbekistan has been influenced by religious integration and has become a crucial phenomenon for educational and spiritual functions. Uzbeks are devoted religious people, with a large percentage of the ethnic group practicing Islam. The Uzbeks practice Sunnism alongside ancient religious practices before Soviet rule in Central Asia (Djuraeva 75). The Uzbekistan government seeks to shield the nation from religious influences while promoting the restoration of traditional religious practices. Moreover, Uzbekistan maintains religious policies that give a voice to minority religious groups. The country openly embraces the Jewish community and the Judaic religion and has maintained relations with Israel (Cornell and Zenn 36). Uzbekistan established a secular state that allows for religious pluralism; therefore, Uzbekistan citizens enjoy religious freedom.

Religion among the Uzbek Ethnic Group

The Uzbek ethnic group in Uzbekistan is a predominantly Muslim community. The Uzbeks use creative ethnic avenues to teach religious and moral purity. Proverbs are used as means of religious knowledge transfer across generations. Proverbs are inculcated into religion to teach about God. For instance, some proverbs seek to differentiate between God and the Devil, giving God attributes such as patience and giving the devil attributes of impatience (Lomakina 130). The Uzbek ethnic group uses proverbs to build positive character and good values among their youth. Proverbs that emphasize hard work, honesty, kindness, generosity, and compassion are often used (Lomakina 131). Generosity and kindness are essential qualities of Muslim people, hence the use of culture and ethnic heritage to teach religion. Proverbs have been used to transmit values, faith, national character, and social experience. Therefore, using proverbs, the Uzbek ethnic group uses its language to teach children and youth religious values linked to national values that enhance tolerance.

Alongside national government efforts to uphold religious tolerance, the Uzbek ethnic group instills discipline among their children. The use of ancient teachings and proverbs geared towards religions teaches children to develop reverence for their parents (Lomakina 134). Globalization puts the youth at the most significant threat of destructive ideas. However, using traditional means of learning keeps young people grounded on religious principles. The youth have been the most affected group, particularly in the face of globalization; hence, the Uzbekistan government focuses on imparting healthy spiritual lifestyle values (Alimova et al. 547). Using folklore and folk games builds religious tolerance, allowing citizens to interact in interethnic friendships, marriages, and associations (Mukhtoraliyevna and Salimovna 191, Isaeva et al. 296). Religious and ethnocultural tolerance teachings have become Uzbek’s source of spiritual awakening that the ethnic group enjoys.

Use of Education to Teach Religion among the Uzbek Ethnic Group

More focus goes on the need to strengthen spirituality among youth through education. With the incorporation of Islam in education, the Uzbek ethnic group seeks to eliminate illiteracy and ignorance while promoting mutual respect and tolerance. The Uzbek ethnic group uses its indigenous language in school to incorporate teachings on the importance of religious tolerance (Rustamov 50). The need to strengthen religious education prompts ethnic leaders to find creative avenues of teaching tolerance to the youth. The Uzbek ethnic group exists in many countries in Central Asia, including Kyrgyzstan. While members of the Uzbek ethnic group in Uzbekistan are the majority with adequate representation, those in Kyrgyzstan face educational marginalization (Hennicke and Bruck 2). The group fights against social disparities to access education, an essential tool in teaching children and youth religious knowledge.

Uzbekistan Government View on Religious Movements

In upholding religious pluralism and harmony, the Uzbekistan government has always stood against religious movements that impose hostile ideologies on the people. The Wahhabi movement, widespread during the early years of Uzbekistan’s independence, caused havoc to many families as many young men were abducted and religious leaflets circulated (Abdullaeva and Gafurova 271). After suffering terror attacks like the 1999 bombing, the Uzbek government began purging the Wahhabis and fundamentalists. Islam’s influence had slowly revived after independence took strict control of government practices that sought to incorporate teachings of peace and humane treatment. Over time, the Uzbekistan government incorporated policies to curb the spread of radicalism and eliminate all practices not authorized by the state. Such actions allowed the government to slowly implement national security policies and control radical religious movements, enabling Uzbekistan to enjoy a long period of national security despite being adjacent to countries affected by radicalism and terrorist practices.

President Mirziyoyev strictly condemned the existence of religious movements that advocate against interethnic harmony. The manifestations of violent religious ideologies and any extremism get viewed as threats to national security, hence the need for stern measures against such actions (Cornell and Zenn 8). In fighting harmful religious ideologies, the Uzbekistan government has financed the establishment of various educational institutions that aim to eradicate ignorance and enlighten citizens. Moreover, in fighting religious movements and extremist behaviors, Mirziyoyev has increased engagement with institutions that promote religious freedom, including the United Nations, which adopted the Uzbek government’s proposed special resolution on enlightenment and religious tolerance (Rustmov 50). The Uzbekistan government remains confident in fighting any form of religious extremism and its strategies to incorporate indigenous religions into secularism while setting an example to other countries in the Asian region and other parts of the world.

Challenges Facing Religion among Uzbeks

Uzbek jihadist groups remain a significant challenge to the Uzbek group. Recent Taliban and Al-Qaeda attacks around the Asian region threaten Uzbekistan’s stability (Cornell and Zenn 40). Further, the continued activities of Uzbek jihadist groups in countries such as Afghanistan may jeopardize the progressive efforts of Uzbekistan’s subsequent governments to eliminate radical and extremist behavior. Secondly, the existence of major inter-ethnic clashes involving Uzbeks affects the teachings of religious tolerance and eradication of extremist practices among the youth. Ethnic Uzbeks living within the Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan border often conflict with ethnic Kyrgyz Hennicke and Bruck 3). Such ethnic clashes cause displacement, expose the community to socio-economic vulnerability, and erode positive religious teachings. However, the current Uzbekistan government, under the leadership of Mirziyoyev, seems to have established firm policies to enhance religious tolerance while incorporating religious pluralism. More positive religious teachings and values would possibly eliminate retaliation between the ethnic Uzbeks and ethnic Kyrgyz in an effort to enhance tolerance.

Conclusion

Most Asian countries have a high dominance of the Islamic religion, with most countries imposing Islamic state measures. Most countries in Central Asia suffered the effects of the soviet rule that shook the region’s religious identity. However, Uzbekistan, situated in Central Asia, has become an example to neighboring countries and other world communities supporting religious freedom. Uzbekistan has an inhabitance of various nationalities from different ethnic groups and different religious practices. The ethnic Uzbek group is a dominant Muslim community within and outside Uzbekistan. The Uzbekistan government has tried to uphold religious tolerance while allowing the residents religious freedom. The Uzbek ethnic group uses education and cultural proverbs to teach positive values to their youth. Through religious education and allowing secularism, the Uzbek government provides its citizens with a sense of freedom. In turn, Uzbekistan citizens understand mutual respect and tolerance towards other religions. The ethnic Uzbek community provides an example to other communities on ways to inculcate positive religious teachings in the face of technological modernization.

Works Cited

Abdullaeva, Munavara., and Gafurova, Shokhida. “Uzbekistan: Women’s Perceptions of Religion, Faith, and Traditions.” International Journal of Multicultural and Multireligious Understanding, vol. 9, no.9. 2022, pp. 267-276. Web.

Alimova, F. Mahfuza., Qalandarova, D.U., and Alimjonova, L. “Contemporary Issues of Religious Studies in Uzbekistan.” European Journal of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, vol. 7, no.2, 2020.

Cornell, E. Svante., and Zenn, Jacob. “Religion and the Secular State in Uzbekistan.” Central Asia-Caucus Institute and Silk Road Studies Programme. American Foreign Policy Council. 2018.

Djuraeva, Sanobar. “Views on the Issue of Shrines in Uzbekistan. Innovative Development of Modern Science, Theory, Methodology, Practice.” International Scientific and Current Research Conference. 2022, pp. 73-77.

Hamdamovich, Inoyatov Kutlug. “International Peace and Religion in Uzbekistan Tolerance Issues.” Journal of Multidisciplinary Innovations, vol. 4. Peerjan. 2022.

Hennicke, Moritz., and Bruck, Tilman. “Ethnic Inequality and Forced Displacement.” PLoS ONE, vol. 17, no. 4. 2022, pp. 1-21.

Isaeva, Kamila, Byron G. Adams, and Fons JR van de Vijver. “The Kaleidoscope of Language, Ethnicity, and Identity in Uzbekistan.” Changing Values and Identities in the Post-Communist World. Lebedeva, N et al. (eds). 2018, pp. 295-311. Web.

Lomakina, Olga Valentinovna. “Concepts of God and Faith In Uzbek And Tajik Proverbs In Terms of Culture And Language Transfer Theory.” European Journal of Science and Technology, vol. 17, no. 2. 2021, pp 124-135.

Mukhtoraliyevna, Zokirova., and Salimovna, Ruziboyeva. “History of Uzbek Folk Games.” Methodical Research Journal, vol. 3, Issue. 10. 2022, pp 191-97. Web.

Rustamov, Bobomurod. “Religion and Reforms: Religious Education in New Uzbekistan.” The American Journal of Political Science Law and Criminology, vol. 4. no. 5. The USA Journals. 2022, pp. 49-53. Web.

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