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Is Kazakhstan’s Parliament About to Ban Religious Clothing?

The Kazakh authorities are once again trying to restrict the wearing of religious clothing -- hijabs and niqabs -- in public places. There have been heated discussions on social media, and Muslim women have appealed to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev himself. The hijab (headscarf) has long become an everyday accessory, and today, the secular part of society is trying to prevent its wearing in schools. However, women wearing niqabs -- a long, usually black cape that covers the face -- are increasingly common on the streets. Many Kazakhs consider the niqab categorically unacceptable. The issue of wearing religious clothing in public places may be considered in Kazakhstan's parliament, said Yermurat Bapi, a member of the Mazhilis (lower house of parliament). "Now, the most important issue for us is to preserve our country's national interests, traditions, and culture. And if we look at the current situation, more Kazakhs are dressed in black in society. This situation seriously harms our future national interests," Bapi said. "That is why we, a group of deputies, have prepared such a bill. It will be submitted to the Parliament at the fall session. I think that the issue of hijab, niqab, and other religious clothing in society will be solved after its adoption. Then we will be able to regulate the issues of religious dress in some way," he added. In May this year, President Tokayev spoke sharply about covered faces. "Dressing in all black contradicts the worldview of our people, is thoughtless copying of foreign norms, conditioned by religious fanaticism. We must not break away from our spiritual roots and erode our national identity," he said. Also, in October 2023, Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva said that the new law on religion will prohibit wearing religious clothing in public places. Kazakhstan has been trying to solve the problem of wearing religious clothing in schools, universities, courts, and other organizations for years. In the past, the ban on wearing hijabs to school repeatedly caused clashes between school administrations, akimats (mayor's offices), and parents of female students. For example, in Atyrau region in 2023, more than 150 girls refused to attend classes without a hijab. As the Ministry of Education explained, the parents were spoken with, after which the children returned to classes. Experts believe the hijab and niqab have become fashion elements imposed by foreign influences alien to Kazakhstanis. However, local theologians are virtually unanimous: Kazakh women have never covered their faces. "After gaining independence, our youth began to study in foreign educational institutions and began to instill in our people certain clothes and dress codes, which were abroad: in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and other Muslim countries. These are their customs, especially about covering the face. Popularly it is called a burqa -- a headscarf with slits for the eyes -- but in Arabic it is called a niqab. The niqab, which completely covers the face, is generally unacceptable for our people, and our people do not use it. Today, in some regions of our...

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Petition against ‘LGBT Propaganda’ in Kazakhstan: Opinions and Comments

A recent petition against so-called "LGBT propaganda", which gathered more than 50 thousand signatures, has resonated throughout Kazakhstan. According to legislation, the Ministry of Culture and Information is now obliged to consider this petition. The petition ‘We are Against Open and Concealed LGBT Propaganda’ authored by Kazakhstan’s Parents’ Union, followed the block in January, of a LGBT community website which the Ministry of Culture claimed to contain information “harmful to the health and development of children.” Reporting on the issue, TCA quoted the reactions of various public figures, including Khalida Azhigulova, a human rights activist and lawyer who pronouncing the petition illegal, claimed it transmitted “hatred and intolerance toward an entire social group.” She also asserted that “a ban on so-called LGBT propaganda would be a gross violation of Kazakhstan’s international human rights obligations.” Echoing her sentiment, feminist and activist Aigerim Kusayynkgzy, stated, “In terms of human rights, I hope such inhumane laws will not be passed.” Bagila Baltabaeva, head of the group leading the petition, reiterated its stance that through books, films, TV and social media, “same-sex love is being openly forced on our children,” promoting “unhealthy relationships.” She also warned that “those who work up the courage and speak out against LGBT propaganda are branded as retrogrades and conservatists.” Public reaction has been mixed and whilst many citizens have openly expressed their views, many have chosen to remain quiet for fear of repercussions and prejudice. TCA took to the streets to gauge current response. All contributors expressed a wish to remain anonymous. I was extremely concerned after reading this news. But at the same time, since I am sure that the president sees only democracy and approximation to European values as the way forward for our country’s development, I am not too worried about it. Kostanai advertiser I think this is a bogus petition, accepted under the guise of a "hearing" state run by a government that only purports to pay attention to the opinion of its citizens. I am sure that the majority voted on a voluntary-coercive basis, as is often the case. Many of those who voted, I believe, are civil servants, at whose expense such a large number – of signatures - was gained. This petition will be accepted because that's what the government wants. Other petitions which also garner 50 thousand votes, but not in the hands of the government, are for some reason never accepted. Taraz singer I have mixed feelings, but above all, am shocked by the level of response. How can it be that so many people are unhappy enough to willingly sign such a petition? Our country is riddled with problems in more urgent need of petitions. Almaty journalist In my opinion, there is no such thing as ‘LGBT propaganda’. One cannot become subsumed by the LGBT community through its exposure on TV or the Internet: a person is either born that way or not. Such a law will reduce the public presence of "non-traditional" relationships in society, but not...

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Kazakhstan Mourns Murat Auezov – Intellectual, Diplomat, Activist and Patriot

Murat Auezov was a champion of Kazakh identity and culture under Soviet rule and threw himself into Kazakhstan’s transformation after independence in 1991. He wore many hats over a long career: writer, the new country’s first ambassador to China, opposition figure, head of the national library, chief editor of the state Kazakhfilm studio. He expanded on the legacy of his father, Mukhtar Auezov, a playwright and novelist who translated literary classics into the Kazakh language and is celebrated today as an early contributor to an emerging national identity. His mother was Fatima Gabitova, a teacher with her own story of persecution during the Soviet era. Murat Auezov, 81, died on June 14 after an illness, prompting tributes from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and many others. In Almaty, family, friends, politicians and government officials were among hundreds of people who attended a funeral service at the National Drama Theater, which is named after Auezov’s father. Murat Auezov was “an orator, a philosopher, a historian, a culturologist, a literary scientist, an educator, and a diplomat,” said Bigeldy Gabdullin, president of the Kazakh PEN Club, a branch of the international group that promotes freedom of expression. Auezov, who was a PEN Club member, promoted Kazakh identity even as a student in Moscow during Soviet times and “awakened Kazakh writers,” Gabdullin said on Facebook. In the 1960s, Auezov was a member of the Zhas Tulpar movement, a loose-knit group of Kazakh youths who studied in Russian universities but whose devotion to Kazakh art, literature and culture often collided with Soviet ideology. “I hope his diaries will be published in English to reflect on the depth of Soviet colonialism and how it crushed people,” Diana Kudaibergen, a political sociologist whose books include Rewriting the Nation in Modern Kazakh Literature, said on the X platform. Auezov, who was pressured and monitored by Soviet authorities, was among the first Kazakh intellectuals to talk openly about collectivization, famine and the destruction of the intelligentsia in Kazakhstan in the first half of the 20th century. “In 1974, in his speech at the plenum of the Writers' Union, he stated: ‘Without covering the topic of hunger, we cannot say that we have national literature,’” read one tribute after his death. In the 1990s, Auezov was a leader of the Azamat opposition movement and sparred with the government of President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who cracked down on dissent. He then worked as head of the Kazakh branch of the foundation created by financier and philanthropist George Soros to promote democratic and social reforms around the world. As ambassador, Auezov promoted economic and cultural ties with China. Years later, though, he increasingly voiced alarm at Chinese economic inroads in Kazakhstan, which he viewed as a threat to the country’s sovereignty. In an interview, he said, “we should not forget our Turkish ancestry. No matter how difficult it is for the brotherly countries of Central Asia, it is better to achieve cooperation, even if it is necessary to make sacrifices. If we cannot achieve this, it is quite...

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Water Shortages in Kyrgyzstan’s Cities Despite Full Reservoirs

Due to a shortage, Kyrgyz authorities have banned the use of drinking water to irrigate cities' gardens and orchards. Implemented in Bishkek and Osh, the ban which operates during daytime hours, is set to run until the end of the summer. In a report to TCA, Erlan Timurov, chief public relations specialist for Bishkekgorvodokanal, the company in charge of drinking water in Bishkek, stated: "Every year, Bishkekvodokanal produces about 145 million cubic meters of drinking water, around 48m cubic meters of which are lost as a result of illegal connections to our networks and leaks caused by worn-out infrastructure" The situation is similar in southern Kyrgyzstan and in Osh, utility companies in the course of monitoring levels, regularly identify and cut off water supplies to those illegally connected to the system. "The average daily consumption of drinking water in residential areas increases fivefold in summer," explained Timurov. "Most of this increase is spent on watering vegetable gardens and filling swimming pools. As a result, some residents experience water shortages." Ironically, the water deficit is developing against a backdrop of overflowing local reservoirs caused partly by abnormal weather melting mountain glaciers. Under the circumstances, the Tien Shan High Mountain Research Centre at the Institute of Water Problems and Hydropower in Kyrgyzstan blames cities' water shortages on irrational use. "In the 1980s , collective and state farms universally introduced the so-called sprinkler system. Back then, 500 to 1,000 cubic meters of water were required to irrigate one hectare. Today, that has risen to 2 to 3 thousand cubic meters. The problem is that we have lost many technologies and do not know how to use water effectively," claimed the scientific center. Drip irrigation used worldwide, is now being introduced in Kyrgyzstan. However, because it's expensive, the percentage of Kyrgyz farmers using this type of irrigation is extremely small and the majority continue their habit of using drinking water in their fields, gardens, and orchards using outdated irrigation systems .

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The Evolution of Kazakh Ornamentation

Ornamentation, evolved over the centuries and influenced by the country’s history, is integral to Kazakhstan’s rich and unique cultural heritage. Art historian Raushan Yeschanova outlines its evolutionary path, significance to Kazakh life and society, and how it continues to develop and inspire contemporary art and culture. Origins of Kazakh Ornamentation Kazakh ornamentation emerged in ancient times, reflecting the peculiarities of nomadic life and the country’s natural environment. Simple geometric shapes and symbols were used in rituals and to decorate everyday objects, textiles, clothing, jewelry, dwellings and graves. The main components of Kazakh ornamentation were lines, curves, dots, circles, zigzags and geometric figures, arranged and intertwined to create rhythmic compositions and patterns. Abstracted from natural phenomena and zoomorphic, these early ornaments were valued both aesthetically and for their deep symbolic significance. Influence of Cultural Traditions Over time, due to exposure to other nations’ cultural traditions through trade and the passage of caravans through the country, Kazakh ornamentation became more complex and diverse. Many of its motifs share similarities with designs found in artefacts made by other Turkic-speaking peoples, including the Kyrgyz and Mongolian Alai Kazakhs. Interaction with Turkic, Mongolian, Persian and other cultures, enriched Kazakh ornaments making them more multi-layered and multifaceted. For example, the Mongolian influence is apparent in the introduction of more complex zoomorphic and plant motifs, whilst that of Persia is evident in the refinement and elegance of linear design. Among plant patterns, Raushan singles out the early "shytyrman"; a complex interweaving of geometric, horn-shaped and plant motifs. [caption id="attachment_19112" align="alignnone" width="4000"] Image Source: liveinternet.ru[/caption] Ornamentation in the Medieval Period One of the most important stages in the development of Kazakh ornamentation was the formation of the khanate and the development of urban centers during the medieval period. At this time, complex ornamental compositions including abstract patterns, plant motifs, animal images and heraldic symbols appeared in the khans’ palaces as well as religious buildings. Widespread in their application, these ornaments decorated architectural features, luxury items, jewelry, and textiles. Totemism and Symbolism in Kazakh Ornamentation Kazakh ornamentation is also closely related to the totemic beliefs of the ancient Turks. Totemic signs and symbols, often related to animals, had a deep sacred meaning. A symbol of prosperity and vitality, the ram’s horn is ubiquitous in ancient cultures from the Pacific Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, and is widespread among both Iranian and Turkic tribes. Images of the ram and closely related animals, such as the argali and the Siberian goat, are the most common themes in ancient Eastern art. For millennia, horns have appeared in fluid, interlocking designs in Turkic artefacts, and, denoting prosperity and wellbeing in Kazakh ornamentation, are frequently seen above the doors of yurts and on ancestral graves. The bird is also a powerful symbol within Kazakh ornamentation. Representing freedom, "kus kanat" or "kus muryn" was commonly used in jewelry. Images of eagles were favored in the art of the Saks, whilst nationwide the popular abstracted image of ravens’ claws represents protection. [caption id="attachment_19113" align="alignnone" width="4000"] "Kus...

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USAID Supports Central Asian Women Working in Hospitality

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the International Association of Businesswomen “Tadbirkor Ayol” last week hosted a Central Asian Conference on “Women of Central Asia in the Hospitality Business: Current Challenges and Opportunities”. The event in Tashkent attracted some 200 women entrepreneurs, professionals, and industry experts from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan to discuss achievements, trends, and challenges in the region’s hospitality sector. As reported by the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan, the conference focused on service quality, digitalization, and modern standards in tourism, culminating in recommendations to enhance regional cooperation in tourism and hospitality. Praising the resilience and creativity of women in the hospitality industry and emphasizing their role in the sector’s future, Edward Michalski, USAID Deputy Mission Director in Uzbekistan, commented: “Investing in women and girls is essential to transforming communities. When women do better, families do better, communities do better, and countries do better.” Gulnora Makhmudova, Chairwoman of “Tadbirkor Ayol,” noted that the growing importance of the region’s hotel business and the increasing involvement of women, had spurred the association into launching “Women in the Hotel Business: Hospitality from the Future;” a project aimed to introduce innovation and digitalization in the hospitality sector. Since its launch in April 2024, with support from USAID, the project has provided training for 115 women in modern hotel management in Tashkent, Andijan, and Samarkand.