Why Do Uzbeks Have to Be Muslims?: Exploring Religiosity in the Ferghana Valley

In this work, Irene Hilgers analyzes the revival of Islam in the public sphere in postsocialist Uzbekistan, with particular reference to its role in the construction of a new national identity. The data presented in the text was contextualized with reference to the history of Kokand Khanate and the [...]
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In this work, Irene Hilgers analyzes the revival of Islam in the public sphere in postsocialist Uzbekistan, with particular reference to its role in the construction of a new national identity. The data presented in the text was contextualized with reference to the history of Kokand Khanate and the suppression of religion during the Soviet era. Hilgers also analyses current state ideology and the official structures for controlling religion, but also the continued significance of popular religion, as expressed at shrines and in healing rituals, and the tensions associated with Wahabi currents.