The Islamic Situation in Kazakhstan
Prof. Dr. Saniya Edelbay

Abstract
In modern Kazakhstan Islam is one of the factors of cultural self-identification, of the search for spiritual identity.
We observe a growing complexity of the inner-islamic situation as well as the growth of religious feelings
amongst the population and its influence on the situation of foreign missionaries and preachers.
Is there today such a thing as "Kazakh Islam"?
At the moment an explosion of islamization can be observed in Kazakhstan.
A spiritual leadership of Kazakh’s Muslims has been established. The religious pilgrimage to Mecca becomes
more and more popular.
There is a growing number of mosques, Islamic schools and Medresse, academies and institutes, as well as of
Islamic print products in Kazakhstan.
The activity of 15 terrorist organizations identifying themselves as Islamic has been outlawed.
Islamic fundamentalism has not gained wide support, however a trend towards a politicization of Islam can be
observed.
Despite a growing the religiousness amongst the population, particularly with the youth, the majority has a
fragmentary knowledge of Islam.
Kazakhstan, Religion, Islam, Tengrianism, Shamanism, Kazakh traditions

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