Islam in Turkmenistan
Overview
Turkmenistan is a Central Asian country where Islam is the dominant religion. Approximately eighty-nine percent of Turkmenistan’s population identifies as Sunni Muslim, while around nine percent adhere to Orthodox Christianity.
Historical Context
Pre-Independence Period
Prior to Turkmenistan’s independence from the Soviet Union in October 1991, the Soviet regime maintained significant control over all religious institutions, including Islam. This institutionalized version of Islam was strictly regulated by the state. However, Islam as practiced by the populace, often referred to as “popular Islam,” continued to flourish despite these restrictions. This form of Islam primarily centered around the veneration of Sufi saints and involved visiting Muslim holy places, such as tombs and shrines.
Post-Independence Developments
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, there was a renewal of religious freedoms in Turkmenistan. Hajji Nasrullah ibn Ibadullah subsequently established the Kaziate Administration of Turkmenistani Muslims, registering it with the Turkmen Ministry of Justice. This body received full juridical powers, and there were sustained collaborations between law enforcement officials and religious representatives.
Legal and Political Landscape
Religious organizations in Turkmenistan are not permitted to register as political parties according to the country’s laws. The Turkmen legal system is primarily based on civil law, but it acknowledges the significance of religious practices and maintains a relationship with religious entities.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: الإسلام في تركمانستان
- Turkish: Türkmenistan’da İslam
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- Islam after Communism: Religion and Politics in Central Asia by Adeeb Khalid
- The Politics of Muslim Cultural Reform: Jadidism in Central Asia by Adeeb Khalid
- Islamic Central Asia: An Anthology of Historical Sources edited by Scott C. Levi and Ron Sela
- The Sufi Orders in Islam by J. Spencer Trimingham
Takeaways
- Dominant Religion: Islam, primarily Sunni, is the dominant religion in Turkmenistan.
- Historical Continuity: Despite Soviet control, popular Islam focusing on Sufi traditions remained vibrant.
- Legal System: The legal system is based on civil law, with specific regulations governing the registration and operation of religious organizations.
Conclusion
The practice of Islam in Turkmenistan exemplifies a complex interplay between state control and popular religious traditions. Since gaining independence from Soviet rule, there has been a resurgence in Islamic practices and institutions, reflecting the deep cultural and spiritual roots of Islam in Turkmen society. The statutory framework has adapted to provide religious freedoms while maintaining certain controls, indicative of the distinctive path Turkmenistan navigates between tradition and modernity.
