Kazakhstan

Ayan Oryntay 22.02.24

The religious sphere of Kazakhstan is very politicised and always causes a lot of discussions in public space. Highly qualified staff is needed to shape adequate policy solutions in such a sensitive sphere as religion, which, in turn, depends on the education provided by universities teaching future religious scholars. (more…)

21.02.24

In 2021, an underground room was found during the restoration of the Holy Kazan cathedral, the oldest church of Almaty. According to priests, orthodox Christians used to pray there secretly during Stalin’s repressions, when all religions were prohibited. The premise was restored and now it is the only cave temple in Kazakhstan.
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Ayan Oryntay 12.02.24

In Kazakhstan, participants of discussions often turn to religion for arguments when discussing clothing, behaviour and similar phenomena either tabooed or allowed by religion. They say that traditional religious views of their ancestors allowed this and did not allow that, and descendants must follow the same path. (more…)

Fate of the first city stone mosque founded in the 18th century has long been discussed in Petropavlovsk. An auto repair shop, a hotel, a café and a sauna are now located in the territory of the cult facility. The Muslim community feels indignant about it: how can one take a bath and barbecue at a place that was used for praying before? According to the owner of the land plot, he purchased the land plot legally, and the building is of no architectural merit. CABAR.asia interviewed both parties. (more…)

CABAR.asia 26.12.23

“Travel agency principal who deceived pilgrims was detained.” “Scammers deceive about 50 pilgrims from Almaty and Shymkent.” “Tokayev demands to punish those who deceived Kazakhstanis who went to Mecca for hajj.” These are the headlines of Kazakhstan media during the pilgrimage of Muslims to holy places. CABAR.asia figures out why there are problems related to hajj. (more…)

Alina Levchenko 07.12.23

Religious leaders, particular persons preaching religious values use social media to communicate with the audience. How to identify those ‘digital preachers’ who aim for destruction? (more…)

Ulyana Fatyanova 01.12.23

Some commentators on social media justify the homicide of Saltanat Nukenova, wife of ex-head of the ministry of national economy of Kazakhstan, by religion. CABAR.asia asked experts if religion truly justifies abuse of women. (more…)

Elena Kuznetsova 17.11.23

There are eight female monastic communities, including two monasteries, in North Kazakhstan region. Nuns stage performances at one of them, and never leave another one. CABAR.asia reveals more interesting things taking place in monasteries. (more…)

CABAR.asia 18.10.23

Should religious content be evaluated by the state before being posted on social media? Statutory provisions in this regard are vague and enable broad interpretation. The editorial staff of CABAR.asia discovers why such interpretation is possible and if there is the need for evaluation of all religious materials. (more…)

Ilova Sokolova 12.10.23

“Will niqab, hijab and short pants be forbidden?” Journalists asked this question to the minister of culture and information of Kazakhstan. According to Aida Balayeva, “We will definitely study these norms and offer our solutions.” This answer came amid parliamentary inquiries about “strange movements under the guise of Islam” threatening the principles of the Kazakh society.

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