Kirghiz (Kyrgyz) - rich in spirit. The Kyrgyz are now faithful not only to Islam. What religion is official in Kyrgyzstan

The development of Kyrgyzstan for many years and even centuries went on in such a way that representatives of various nationalities and even different religious denominations coexisted quite peacefully here. But, as they say now, only two of them have always remained a priority - Islam and Orthodox Christianity. The new time, which radically changed the entire political and social situation, brought new beliefs and new religious organizations to Central Asia. And even the Kirghiz, who have always been considered faithful Muslims from birth, are increasingly becoming members of them.

Recently, a young resident of Bishkek, a Kyrgyz by nationality, converted to Christianity at the same time as receiving a diploma of higher education. Whatever his parents and relatives did not do: they begged, intimidated, they did not let him out of the house for months - all to no avail. In the end, they were forced to leave the young man alone. Now no one is interested in where he is and what he does. Relatives reconciled, reasonably judging that, they say, "I would be alive and well."

Cases of a change of faith by representatives of the titular nation or the adoption of an alien faith by unbelieving Kyrgyz are not very numerous here yet, and, fortunately, do not yet lead to increased tension and confrontation within the people. But in everyday life, each such case causes certain difficulties.

In the city of Kant, for example, the relatives of one deceased Kyrgyz, for a long time could not decide according to what customs to carry out the burial ritual, in which cemetery to bury a fellow tribesman. The fact is that shortly before his death he converted to Christianity. There are also known facts when the Muslim Kyrgyz tried to punish their relatives, who became interested in new religious denominations and became their adherents. But it does not always stop neophytes.

Pastor of the Protestant Church of Jesus Islambek Karataev, for example, says: “More and more young Kyrgyz prefer our church. We believe that there are already at least five thousand Protestant Christians from among the Kirghiz in the republic. I myself have held this belief for ten years. Formerly an atheist. I had more than enough sins: I used drugs, indiscriminately indulged in carnal pleasures. However, in my heart I always looked for someone who would help me get rid of these pernicious vices, and soon I found my Savior. Many alcoholics and drug addicts, prostitutes and simply lost ones are now purifying their souls and bodies just in our church.”

According to Islambek Karataev, at first, his parents and relatives strongly scolded him for converting to another faith, but then, when they were convinced that their son and brother turned away from sinful vices and embarked on the true path, they themselves followed him and became members of the new church.

According to another Protestant pastor Kubanychbek Sharshenbiev, the change of faith by the Kyrgyz is a normal phenomenon for a democratic society:

According to our Constitution, - says the pastor, - Kyrgyzstan is a secular state, putting the principles of democracy above all else. Therefore, all confessions are equal here. And the citizens of the country should have the right to freely choose any faith. Although we, representatives of other faiths, are well aware that traditional Islam and Orthodoxy still occupy a dominant position in the country. However, both the state and the public today should listen to representatives of other faiths.

Recently, it has become obvious that some part of the Kyrgyz prefer Protestantism. In this regard, the question arises: why is it not traditional Islam or Orthodoxy, but this denomination that attracts young people? Moreover, this phenomenon is typical not only for Kyrgyzstan. Protestant churches are opening now in Kazakhstan and even Uzbekistan.

Experts believe that the processes of glasnost and the formation of an open society have largely contributed to the rooting of seemingly alien religious confessions in Central Asia. People of the post-Soviet countries for the first time got the opportunity to choose, to compare. The attraction of the Kirghiz, in particular, to Protestantism is also explained by the fact that in the conditions of a sharp change in social and economic relations, the need for some kind of spiritual support became especially acute. It is Protestantism as a religion, in which there are many elements of rationalism and pragmatism, experts say, that turned out to be the most consistent with the spirit and aspirations of today's youth.

Local journalist Bermet Malikova, who pays much attention to the study of the spiritual life of Kyrgyz youth, is sure that Protestantism does no harm to the Kyrgyz. She agrees with those who believe that this religion teaches both practicality and spiritual purification. Therefore, it helps to educate active and viable people who must overcome the poverty of the country and build a strong state. She even admits that the September tragedy in the United States may further alienate some of the youth from Islam, who were in thought and doubts about what kind of faith to accept.

The fact that the terrorist acts were committed by Muslim fanatics hit, first of all, Islam, as many in Kyrgyzstan believe. And especially semi-Muslims, semi-atheists, which are precisely the majority of the Kyrgyz, who were born back in Soviet times.

Representatives of official Islam have a slightly different view of this phenomenon. On the contrary, they argue that the departure of the population from the traditional faith, in the long run, can only lead to disastrous consequences. And many of them generally categorically reject even the very concept of "change of faith."

Those Kyrgyz who have gone to another faith, - says Deputy Mufti of Kyrgyzstan Ilyazbek azhi Nazarbekov, - have never been Muslims. As for young people, many of them are simply atheists. It is these people that representatives of other movements and sects attract with all sorts of promises, including money, into the bosom of their faith. In addition, not many Kyrgyz convert to Christianity. How many of our guys go to other religions, about the same number of representatives of other nationalities and religions convert to Islam. So in this sense, we do not bear any tangible losses yet.

Nevertheless, according to the imam, the fact that people in the same family adhere to different faiths is very dangerous. For example, cases have become more frequent, he says, when conflicts arise between parents and children on religious grounds. And this threatens with serious consequences, which more than once in world history have brought religious confrontations.

The editor-in-chief of the newspaper "Islam Madaniyaty" ("Culture of Islam") Uzbek azhy Chotonov agrees with him. In his opinion, many Kyrgyz are still very far from the true essence of Islam:

Most of our fellow citizens perform only the outward attributes of Islam, the religious journalist believes. - And the deepest values of religion do not always reach people's consciousness.

He sees the reason for this sad phenomenon in the fact that, firstly, there are no competent mullahs in the localities who, due to their moral and spiritual qualities, could serve as a model for others. Secondly, Islam clearly lacks offensiveness. Many clerics believe that the very fact of a person's birth in a Kyrgyz family automatically makes him a Muslim. And they do not prepare him for a meeting with other religions. Protestants, on the contrary, look for neophytes everywhere, lure them in, create conditions for mastering new teachings.

So, a small Central Asian country found itself on the threshold of a new religious situation. In Soviet times, Kyrgyzstan was rightfully considered an atheist republic, and after gaining independence, it declared itself a secular state. According to the Constitution existing in the republic, religion is separated from the state. In practice, at official and public events, representatives of the Muslim and Christian clergy, as a rule, are given the most honorable places. It is not uncommon for the leaders of these two confessions to be involved in political events by the authorities. This is always explained by some important state interests.

The most interesting thing is that Kyrgyzstan, which has adopted many laws aimed at accelerating democratic reforms, still does not have a real law on religions. Only recently they began to persistently promote for various kinds of discussions the draft law "On freedom of religion and religious organizations", prepared on the initiative of the deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh Alisher Sabirov.

Kyrgyzstan is mired in religious chaos, says the author of the bill. - If measures are not taken in the near future for the civilized regulation of relations between all confessions, the state and society will inevitably face very serious and even dangerous problems.

To prove his thesis, he gives at least such an example. A fairly popular TV channel in Kyrgyzstan constantly broadcasts sermons of one religious denomination. The editors get a lot of money. The muftiate does not have that kind of money. And representatives of traditional Islam on television are extremely rare guests. For many believers, this inequality causes legitimate discontent. So the state should help them. However, in no case, says Alisher Sabirov, should one succumb to the temptation of banning competing religions.

Atyrkul Altisheva, Deputy Director of the Institute for Regional Studies, agrees with him:

We must calmly look at the emergence of new confessions in Kyrgyzstan, treat this as a natural phenomenon. And most importantly, in no case do not try to ban them. What we need most right now is tolerance. Only then will Islam be able to prove its true significance.

Yuri Razgulyaev

PRAVDA.Ru

Until now, Kyrgyzstan remains a little-known country for most foreigners. However, this country has an ancient nomadic history, picturesque Tien Shan mountains, Issyk-Kul lake, mineral and thermal springs, medieval caravanserais, and even ski resorts.

Geography

Kyrgyzstan is located in Central Asia. In the north, Kyrgyzstan borders on Kazakhstan, in the east - on China, in the west - on Uzbekistan, and in the southwest - on Tajikistan. There is no access to the sea. The total area of this country is 198,500 sq. km., and the total length of the state border is 3,878 km.

More than 80% of the territory of Kyrgyzstan is located in the Tien Shan mountain system. In the southwest of the country there is the Pamir-Alay mountain system, and in the north and southwest there are the fertile Fergana and Chui valleys. The highest point is Pobeda Peak, whose height reaches 7,439 meters.

In the northeast in the Tien Shan mountains is Lake Issyk-Kul, the second largest mountain lake in the world (Lake Titicaca is in first place).

Capital of Kyrgyzstan

The capital of Kyrgyzstan is Bishkek, which is now home to more than 900 thousand people. According to archeology, people lived on the territory of modern Bishkek from about the 7th century AD.

Official language

There are two official languages in Kyrgyzstan - Kyrgyz (has the status of a state language), belonging to the Kypchak group of Turkic languages, and Russian (has the status of an official language).

Religion

About 80% of the population of Kyrgyzstan profess Islam, and about 17% are Orthodox Christians.

State structure of Kyrgyzstan

According to the current Constitution of 2010, Kyrgyzstan is a parliamentary republic. Its head is the President, elected for 6 years.

The unicameral parliament in Kyrgyzstan is called the Supreme Council, it consists of 120 deputies elected for 5 years.

The main political parties in Kyrgyzstan are Ata-Jurt, SDPK, Ar-Namys, Respublika and Ata-Meken.

Climate and weather

The climate in Kyrgyzstan is very diverse, from sharply continental to maritime, due to the presence of mountains. The maritime climate is typical for the north-east of the country, where Issyk-Kul Lake is located. In the foothill towns in summer the average air temperature is +30-35C.

It is best to travel in the north of Kyrgyzstan from June to September, and in the south - from March to October. Traveling through the small mountains is best from April to June, when numerous flowers bloom there.

Mountain passes are blocked by snow from November to April (sometimes even May). The ski season starts in November and lasts until April.

Rivers and lakes

Several thousand rivers flow through the territory of Kyrgyzstan. Most of them are not big. The longest of them is the Naryn River, whose sources are in the Tien Shan mountains.

Issyk-Kul Lake, the second largest mountain lake in the world, is located in the northeast of Kyrgyzstan in the Tien Shan mountains.

culture

The culture of Kyrgyzstan is traditional for nomads. Islam had a significant influence on it, because. Kirghiz are Muslims. Until now, the Kyrgyz retain their ancient customs, especially in rural areas.

In order to really get to know the Kyrgyz culture, we recommend tourists to visit the jailoo in the summer (this is the name of the high mountain pasture in Kyrgyzstan, it is located at an altitude of 2500-3000 meters above sea level).

Kyrgyz celebrate Muslim holidays - Navrus, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha. All these and other holidays are accompanied by traditional Kyrgyz games, music, dance and theatrical performances.

Cuisine of Kyrgyzstan

The cuisine of Kyrgyzstan was formed under the influence of Uzbek, Russian, Chinese culinary traditions. The main food products are meat, rice, noodles, dairy products, vegetables. Meat occupies a central place in Kyrgyz cuisine. The fact is that the Kyrgyz used to be nomads, and therefore they did not grow vegetables and fruits (now the situation has changed, of course).

In Kyrgyzstan, we recommend tourists to try plov, shorpa soup, beshbarmak (lamb meat with noodles), Kuiruk-boor (boiled lamb), Kuurdak (small pieces of fried lamb or veal with onions and spices), Lagman (spicy stew with vegetables), "Manty" (steamed dumplings with lamb), "Oromo" (roll with meat or vegetables).

Traditional non-alcoholic drinks - tea, coffee, koumiss from mare's milk. Koumiss can be easily bought by travelers between May and August right on the side of the road.

Sights of Kyrgyzstan

According to official data, there are several thousand historical, architectural and archaeological monuments in Kyrgyzstan. So, only in the Issyk-Kul region there are more than 1500 historical monuments. The top 10 best Kyrgyz attractions, in our opinion, may include the following:

Mausoleum of Kumbez-Manas
Ken-Kol burial grounds
Armenian monastery near Issyk-Kul
"Royal mound" in the Issyk-Kul region
Caravanserai Tash-Rabat in the mountains of the Tyag-Shan
Mausoleum of Shah-Fazil near Osh
Petroglyphs in the Saimaluu-Tash Gorge
Turkic statues of Kyr-Jol near Song-Kol Lake
Petroglyphs of Mount Suleiman
Madrasah of Osh

Cities and resorts

The largest cities in Kyrgyzstan are Jalal-Abad, Karakol, Osh, Naryn, Balykchy, Naryn, and, of course, Bishkek.

Kyrgyzstan has no access to the sea, but in this country there are many rivers and lakes. The largest lake is Issyk-Kul, which is a popular place for the Kyrgyz to relax in the summer. The swimming season lasts from May to October. In summer, the average water temperature in Issyk-Kul is +24C.

There are many sources of mineral and thermal waters in Kyrgyzstan. The most famous of them are the Ak-Suu, Alamudun and Issyk-Ata deposits.

In the Chui valley, there are Lugovskoye and Kamyshanovskoye weakly mineralized hydrogen sulfide deposits of therapeutic mud.

Because Since almost the entire territory of Kyrgyzstan is occupied by mountains, it is not surprising that this country has good opportunities for ski holidays. Good mountain centers are located near Bishkek and near Lake Issyk-Kul. The ski season runs from November to April.

Souvenirs/Shopping

It was quite difficult to determine what exactly was primitive Kyrgyzstan. The religion of this country has undergone many changes: from natural selection to forced Islamization of the entire Kyrgyz people. Nevertheless, scientists were able to find reliable information that could shed light on the metamorphosis of the beliefs of this nomadic people.

Pagan Kyrgyzstan: what was the first religion?

The main problem in the study of the past of Kyrgyzstan is that most of the myths and legends were transmitted here mainly in oral form. Because of this, it is impossible to say for sure what part of the information received was transformed under the influence of time. And yet, many scientists are inclined to believe that initially the ancestors of this nomadic people worshiped the forces of nature.

They did not have a single god. They believed that everything in this world has its own consciousness and will. So, the wind could become a true friend or a sworn enemy, depending on its mood. Because of this, the Kyrgyz constantly communicated with the world around them, hoping for its favor.

Early totemism

Over time, Kyrgyzstan itself has changed. Religion was closely intertwined with the new culture, and instead of free worship of the forces of nature, totemism took the first place. Its essence was that each clan or tribe had its own guardian totem. Often his name became the head of the clan, thereby glorifying his patron.

The prototypes for the totem were animals, spirits and forces of nature. What is true, it was animals that were most often chosen as the guardian. For example, the Bugu tribe believed that their distant ancestor was closely related to the sacred deer. That is why it chose such a name for itself, which in translation means “male deer” or “maral”.

new faith

The religion of Kyrgyzstan was often subjected to pressure from its neighbors. In most cases, this led to the fact that local beliefs were only slightly transformed, but at the same time they did not change their essence. However, at the end of the 9th century, Islam came to this country, which forever changed the cultural heritage of this people.

It is rather difficult to describe in a few words how much Kyrgyzstan has changed. Religion has become a real scourge of the people, who now and then punished the unbelievers. And if until the beginning of the 17th century Islam was tolerant of the customs of the indigenous population, then with the advent of the Kokand Khanate, everything changed dramatically.

It was during this period that mosques began to be actively built on the territory of modern Kyrgyzstan, which subsequently resulted in forced initiation into new rites. Such a strong influence has led to the fact that today the majority of the Kyrgyz are Sunni Muslims who sincerely believe in the birthright of Allah.

Spiritual world of modern Kyrgyzstan

The main question is, has Kyrgyzstan completely changed under the influence of Islam? The religion of the Muslim world, of course, has chosen the cultural world of the country, but the ancient beliefs also did not disappear without a trace. Bypassing the prohibitions, pagan rites seeped into the spiritual life of the Kirghiz, modifying the usual sacraments and holidays of the new religion.

The same applies to the depth of faith of the Kirghiz. Despite worshiping Allah, they rarely adhere to all (professing faith, prayer, fasting, almsgiving and pilgrimage). And yet it is this religion that is the basis of the spiritual world of modern Kyrgyzstan. And therefore, in no case should its role in creating the cultural heritage of this people be diminished.

In addition, there are Christians and Buddhists in the country. But their number is so small that, even if united, they will not be able to become worthy competitors for the dominant Muslims.

Unlike the settled peoples of Central Asia, the Kyrgyz were the last to accept Islam. It should be noted that the level of religiosity of the Kyrgyz in the north and south of the country varies greatly, which is predetermined by the historical development of the region. A feature of the religiosity of the Kyrgyz in the north is the close interweaving of Islam with pagan pre-Muslim beliefs, the adoption in Islam of only its external form - rituals, traditions, holidays.

The features of the religiosity of the Kyrgyz in the south are due to the historical development and the place of Islam among the ethnic groups inhabiting the Ferghana Valley. The ethnic composition of the population of the valley was very diverse - more than ten Turkic and Iranian-speaking ethnic groups lived there. Before the creation of modern state formations, all the ethnic groups of the region, nomadic and sedentary, recognized themselves as part of the territorially unified Fergana and called themselves "Muslims", considering Islam as an alternative to nationality.

The geographical position and historical and cultural past contributed to a better perception of European culture by the northern Kyrgyz, and Eastern and Arab cultures by the southern Kyrgyz. The activity of Islamic radicals and the sympathy of a part of the population for them have their own social and cultural roots, which are complemented by the regional specificity of Islam, due to the peculiarities of historical and cultural development, ethnic and cultural affiliation and modern political collisions.

Three different directions of spiritual values can be distinguished in the religious space of modern Kyrgyzstan. The first direction is the local magical forms of religiosity, in particular Tengrianism and shamanism, which are especially common in rural areas. The second direction is traditional religions (Islam, Orthodoxy). Third - non-traditional confessions (Christianity in its evangelical form, Eastern cults, etc.).

In the Kyrgyz Republic, freedom of religion, spiritual and religious freedom are enshrined in the constitution.

In Art. 8 of the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic states that "religions and all cults are separated from the state." In accordance with this constitutional principle, the state does not interfere in the issues of determining by a citizen his attitude to religion, in the activities of religious organizations, if it does not contradict the law.

In recent years, religious facilities have been actively built in the republic: mosques, temples, churches, prayer houses, dozens of religious educational institutions have been opened.
In 1995, at a meeting of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, the issue “On the religious situation in the Kyrgyz Republic and the tasks of the authorities in the formation of state policy in the religious sphere” was considered and a resolution was adopted. In March 1996, the State Commission for Religious Affairs under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic was established as a special executive body, the main task of which is the formation of state policy in the religious sphere, strengthening mutual understanding and tolerance between different religions.

On November 14, 1996, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic signed the Decree "On measures to implement the rights of citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic to freedom of conscience and religion." The Decree approved the Temporary Regulations on Religious Education and Registration of Religious Organizations, Missions of Foreign Religious Organizations and Foreign Citizens Arriving in the Kyrgyz Republic for the Purpose of Religious Activities. Religious activity on the territory of the republic without record registration is prohibited.

By the Decree of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic on January 17, 1997, the Interdepartmental Council for Religious Affairs was established as an advisory and coordinating body designed to develop recommendations for the conduct of state policy in the religious sphere, coordinate the efforts of state bodies and religious organizations aimed at maintaining stability in society, strengthening spirituality and faith , achieving inter-religious tolerance.

In accordance with Presidential Decree No. 319 of November 14, 1996, 1,299 religious facilities have been registered to date.

Registration of 250 churches and prayer houses of the Christian direction of the following religious organizations was carried out - the Central Asian and Bishkek Eparchy of the Russian Orthodox Church, Evangelical Christian Baptists, Christians of the Evangelical Faith, Seventh-day Adventist Christians, Jehovah's Witnesses, Evangelical Lutheran communities. Also, 20 missions of foreign religious organizations were registered.

If until 1991 there were only 39 mosques, 25 churches and parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church, then at the end of 2005 more than 1338 mosques were registered; more than 40 churches and parishes of the Orthodox Church; 200 Christian prayer houses; one nunnery.

Statistical data allow us to talk about the intensive growth of religious organizations, their diversity, powerful construction and financial support in attracting new believers. Although religious organizations do not practice a fixed membership, one can indirectly trace the national affiliation of citizens to one or another confession.

A comparative analysis shows that today more than 80% of the republic's population adheres to Islam. Among Muslims, there are 60% Kyrgyz, Uzbeks - 15%, Uighurs, Dungans, Kazakhs, Tatars, Tajiks, Bashkirs, Turks, Chechens, Dargins and others - more than 5%.

Orthodoxy is followed by about 17% of the population, mainly Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians.

With the entry of Kyrgyzstan into the international arena, it became possible to study at Islamic universities abroad. According to the State Commission for Religious Affairs under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, 284 citizens of Kyrgyzstan study in foreign religious centers. Al-Azhar World University (Cairo) has 155 students, Turkey - 84, Pakistan - 22. The rest study by private invitation in Syria, Kuwait and Jordan.

Over the past three to four years, more than 885 foreign citizens have been registered who arrived in Kyrgyzstan for the purpose of religious activities. Among them are more than 600 Christian, about 200 Islamic and 70 missionaries representing other religious directions. A large number of Islamic missionaries come from Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Missionaries of Christian persuasion and non-traditional movements come mainly from the USA, South Korea, India, and Kazakhstan.

There are three publications of the Islamic direction in the republic: the newspaper of the spiritual administration of Muslims "Islam Madaniyaty", "Muslims" of the Jalal-Abad qaziat (region), "Islam Avaza" of the Batken qaziat.

The Church of Jesus Christ publishes the newspapers About the Church of God and Your Way. The Religious Center of Jehovah's Witnesses imports the magazines Watchtower, On Guard, and Awake in Russian and Kyrgyz. Almost all religious organizations are engaged in the import and distribution of literature.

TV viewers in Kyrgyzstan have the opportunity to watch Christian programs on all channels for more than two hours a week (even from the United States), and the weekly half-hour TV show “Zhuma Khutbasy” on the state channel is broadcast irregularly and is often criticized by viewers.

Currently, there are about 30 directions in religious organizations and about two thousand religious objects and structures in the republic. This applies primarily to the Islamic and Christian faiths. Statistics show a significant increase in the number of religions and religious movements of a Christian orientation and the so-called non-traditional religions.

Ombudsman of Kyrgyzstan Tursunbai Bakir uulu said that, in his opinion, a major inter-confessional crisis is brewing in the country, caused by the adoption of the Christian faith by many Kyrgyz.

A number of political scientists of the country call this statement of a well-known public figure quite natural for the special image he created as a "fighter for the true faith", which is very appealing to many people of the Muslim faith.

However, the human rights activist did not limit himself to indignation at the lost fellow believers. The Ombudsman suggested that even the notorious activists of the Hizb-ut-Tahrir party - officially banned, we recall, in all countries of the Central Asian region, Russia and a number of other states of the religious and political organization - are not as dangerous as the fact of having in the Toguz-Torok district of the Jalal-Abad region, there are 100 Kyrgyz who have adopted the Christian faith. Bakir uulu noted that the "Christianization" of the population in the republic is on a large scale, and called for appropriate changes to the legislation of Kyrgyzstan, prohibiting such a transformation of religion. Otherwise, the ombudsman predicts inevitable social upheavals and a major inter-confessional conflict.

Developing the topic, however, one cannot but turn to the opinion of specialists who have analyzed interfaith relations in the republic in more detail. For example, the President of the International Agency for Development and Policy of Kyrgyzstan, Doctor of Political Sciences Alikbek Dzhekshenkulov, in an exclusive interview with RG, questioned the Ombudsman's version of the scale of the "Christianization" of the country's population.

The main part of the republic's population professes secular, liberal Islam, - the scientist explained. - At the same time, the attitude of the Kyrgyz towards representatives of other branches of religion has always been and remains tolerant. And if recently some representatives of the titular nation have adopted Christianity or Buddhism, then after all, many Slavs are also accepting Islam. There is no reason to be concerned that some of our fellow citizens are prone to change of faith. We observe the same picture all over the world, this is the very freedom of religion, legalized in many countries and in the constitution of Kyrgyzstan.

At the same time, according to Alikbek Dzhekshenkulov, a real threat to the foundations of the state may be the growing Islamic extremism.

Thus, the experts of the Association of Political Scientists of Kyrgyzstan suggest that the cause of the coming socio-political and inter-confessional instability in the country may not be Christians. Of particular danger in this regard, according to analysts, is the activity of the so-called underground or representatives of radical Islamic groups of fundamentalist persuasion. These include the paramilitary Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Hizb ut-Tahrir al Islami (KhTI - Islamic Liberation Party) and the Uyghur East Turkestan Islamic Movement. Recall that the headquarters of the Hizb-ut-Tahrir party is located in London, and secret or overt divisions of this religious organization, despite the prohibitions of official authorities, operate in dozens of countries around the world.

The beginning of the creation of numerous branches of HTI in the south of Kyrgyzstan, according to various sources, dates back to 1996-1997. The centers of underground Islamist activity in the republic are the cities of Osh and Jalal-Abad, as well as Suzak, Bazar-Kurgan, Kara-Suu, Aravan and Uzgen regions. Despite the preference for peaceful means of "processing" the population, experts say, this movement is a clear threat to the security of Kyrgyzstan. This is due to the fact that his ideas are aimed at overthrowing the secular system, promoting violence in interethnic and interfaith spheres. The ultimate goal of HTI's activity is the creation of the so-called Islamic caliphate, living exclusively according to the canons of Sharia, on some territories of the countries of Central Asia and Russia.

According to the intelligence services, there are currently between 2,000 and 15,000 HTI members in southern Kyrgyzstan. The recently intensified processes of migration of the population from the south to the north of the republic, according to analysts, lead to the strengthening of the social base of the Islamists and the expansion of their operational and propaganda capabilities in the northern regions of the country and its capital. At the same time, the continuing trend of the growth of Islamic radicalism in the south of Kyrgyzstan suggests that a widely ramified underground network of Islamists is operating here. In general, favorable conditions are emerging in the Central Asian region for the dissemination of HTI ideas, political scientists conclude.

In addition, the separatism of part of the Uzbek population in the border regions of Kyrgyzstan, which previously set the goal of creating an Uzbek cultural autonomy within the Ferghana Valley, significantly complicates the religious situation in the south. Later, due to the influence of the radical teachings of Islamic religious organizations, this idea was developed, and today the Islamists set themselves a broader task - the creation of the so-called Kokand Islamic Jamahiriya. What this may bring to the post-Soviet republics of the region is not necessary to guess, it is enough to turn to the experience of "Talibization" of neighboring Afghanistan.

At the Security Council of Kyrgyzstan, held in September this year, the issue of the religious situation in the country was also considered among the main ones. Its positive result can be considered a decision on the need to improve legislation in this area and closer cooperation between the authorities and the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan (SUM).

However, the latest initiative of the Ombudsman to amend the legislation of the republic, preventing, using the term Bukir uulu, "Christianization" of its population, contradicts the decision of the Security Council and can have the most negative impact on interfaith and interethnic harmony, experts of the Association of Political Scientists of Kyrgyzstan believe.