Kyrgyz Clergy to Compete in Traffic Rules Knowledge Contest

The Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan (DUMK) will hold a competition among its members to test their knowledge of traffic regulations. The participants will include mosque imams and staff from DUMK's central office, according to a statement on the Muftiate's official Facebook page. The initiative follows a recent meeting between DUMK representatives and officials from Kyrgyzstan’s Main Directorate of Road Traffic Safety (DGUOBDD). Traffic police emphasized the importance of promoting traffic rule compliance among the public, and particularly among the faithful, highlighting the clergy’s influential role in society. “To effectively promote road safety, religious leaders themselves must be well-versed in traffic laws,” said a DUMK spokesperson. “Shariah places great value on human life, which is why it mandates adherence to rules that protect it, including traffic regulations.” Addressing a Rising Crisis Traffic violations and accidents are a persistent issue in Kyrgyzstan. The DUMK noted that the National Statistical Committee records road accidents approximately every 90 minutes across the country. The situation is especially serious in rural areas. In response, the Muftiate has been conducting awareness campaigns in mosques nationwide for several years, including the ongoing “Human Life Above All” initiative aimed at reinforcing the religious imperative to safeguard life. Government Push for Compliance The clergy-led effort aligns with a broader push by the Kyrgyz government to enhance road safety. Starting in September 2025, drivers who commit traffic violations will be subject to on-the-spot knowledge tests, under a policy introduced by President Sadyr Japarov. This cooperation between religious and state institutions reflects a growing effort to integrate moral authority into public safety campaigns, particularly in a country where religious leaders remain influential community figures.