Religion in Uzbekistan: A Tapestry of Cultural Harmony and Freedom
Central Asia, a realm of cultural diversity and harmonious coexistence of various religious communities for millennia, unveils a captivating mosaic of religious practices and traditions in Uzbekistan. Situated along the historic Silk Road, this land has witnessed the permeation of religion through the fabric of its culture, uniting peoples regardless of their ethnic or national backgrounds.
The Constitution of Uzbekistan establishes clear principles: Religious organizations and associations are separate from the state and equal under the law. The state respects religious diversity and refrains from interfering in the activities of religion and religious associations. These legal foundations, enshrined in the constitution, create a framework that ensures the free exercise of religion for citizens while safeguarding the independence of religious organizations.
Islam dominates as the predominant religion in Uzbekistan, with approximately 75% of the population belonging to the Muslim community, mainly adhering to Sunni beliefs, particularly the Hanafi-Madhab sect. The remaining 25% encompasses Christians and Jews, notably the Bukharan Jews, forming a religious minority. This diverse religious landscape reflects the historical amalgamation of cultures and beliefs that has transpired over centuries in this region.
In 1991, the law “On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations” marked a turning point in the legal landscape of religious organizations. Citizens were granted the right to individually or collectively practice their religion, perform rituals, and embark on pilgrimages to sacred sites. This law granted religious organizations the right to property, thereby solidifying their status as legal entities. Subsequent years witnessed further amendments to define and strengthen the role of religious organizations in Uzbekistan.
Leaders of religious organizations in Uzbekistan are typically citizens of the country with relevant religious education. These regulations, not only enshrined in the law “On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations” but also embedded in other laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan, contribute to a clear structuring and regulation of religious activities. This helps strike a balance between the free exercise of religion and protection against potential abuses.
The coordination of activities across all mosques lies in the hands of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Uzbekistan, with its highest representative being the Mufti. This administration oversees educational institutions such as the Spiritual School “Mir Arab” in Bukhara and the Islamic Institute in Tashkent. It also manages around 80 mosques. Another expression of cultural and religious promotion is the independent publishing house “Movarounnahr” of the Spiritual Council, publishing periodicals like the magazine “Hidayat” and the newspaper “Islom nuri.”
To promote understanding of the rich heritage of Islam, the International Center for Islamic Studies was established in Tashkent in 1995. The Islamic University of Tashkent commenced its activities in 1999, offering comprehensive education in Islam. These educational institutions contribute to deepening knowledge of Islam and appreciating its significance in the cultural context.
Efforts towards interreligious peace and harmony are evident through various initiatives. In 1995, the noteworthy Christian-Muslim conference “Living Together under One Sky” took place in Tashkent, attended by representatives from the World Council of Churches and foreign churches. This event underscores Uzbekistan’s commitment to dialogue between different faiths and peaceful coexistence.
The celebrations in 1996 marking the 125th anniversary of the Eparchial Administration of the Russian Orthodox Church were historically significant. For the first time in the history of the patriarchate in Central Asia, Patriarch Alexey II of Moscow and all Russia participated in the festivities. Similarly, the evangelical Lutheran community celebrated the centennial of its only church in Central Asia in the same year.
Another milestone in Uzbekistan’s religious landscape was the opening of the Roman Catholic Church in Samarkand in March 1999. The building was handed over to the community in December 1997, symbolizing the country’s openness to various faiths. The participation of representatives from different denominations in the events of religious organizations emphasizes unity in diversity and a shared desire for mutual understanding.
Civil society institutions also actively contribute to promoting harmony and tolerance. The Academy for State and Social Construction, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the KITC, the Women’s Committee of Uzbekistan, as well as volunteer organizations like Mahalla and Nuroniy, play significant roles in these endeavors. Through organizing meetings, forums, and symposiums, they invite representatives of all religious organizations to foster open dialogue and exchange.
According to official data as of June 1, 2010, Uzbekistan had 2,225 registered religious organizations representing 16 different denominations. This illustrates the diversity and richness of the country’s religious landscape. The numerous legal provisions and institutional structures create a framework that protects the free exercise of religion while promoting the coexistence of various faiths.
Uzbekistan, with its rich historical past and cultural diversity, sets an example for peaceful coexistence among different religions. Through a balanced legal foundation, clear regulation of religious organizations, and a commitment to interreligious dialogue, the country demonstrates a steadfast belief in harmony and tolerance as keys to national unity and cultural flourishing.
- Islam – 2,050 (mosques, religious educational institutions and Islamic centres).
- Christianity – 175, including
- Korean Christians – 52
- Orthodox – 37
- Baptists – 23
- Pentecostals (full gospel) – 21
- Seventh-day Adventists – 10
- Catholics – 5
- Lutherans – 2
- New Apostolic Christians – 4
- Armenian Apostolic Church – 2
- Jehovah’s Witnesses – 1
- Church of the Voice of God – 1
- Interfaith Bible Society – 1
- Judaism – 8
- Baha’i – 6
- Hare Krishna – 1
- Buddhism – 1
The following Christian denominations are officially active in Uzbekistan:
- Russian Orthodox Church (Diocese of Tashkent and Uzbekistan).
- Roman Catholic Church
- Armenian Apostolic Church
- Evangelical Lutheran Church
- Union of Evangelical Baptist Christian Churches
- Centre of Evangelical Christian Churches
There are estimates that there are up to 10,000 Bukhara and Ashkenazi Jews living in Uzbekistan. The Jews are concentrated in the cities of Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand. Over 80 thousand Jews have emigrated to Israel and the USA in the last 20 years, mainly for economic reasons.
The constitution declares freedom of belief for all. According to the constitution, everyone has the right to profess any religion or none. The forced imposition of religious views is also inadmissible.
