EurasiaNet Eurasia Insight - Religious Discontent Evident in the Ferghana Valley

EURASIA INSIGHT

RELIGIOUS DISCONTENT EVIDENT IN THE FERGHANA VALLEY
1/17/07

It was just a little over four months ago that Kyrgyzstani security officials proclaimed success in neutralizing Islamic militants in southern Kyrgyzstan. However, new signs of religious discontent are apparent in the Kyrgyz and Uzbek portions of the Ferghana Valley.

Protests against Kyrgyzstan’s religious establishment began in mid-November and have taken place in Bishkek and in the Ferghana Valley city of Osh. Demonstrators have demanded the ouster of Marataly Jumanov, Kyrgyzstan chief mufti and head of the Spiritual Directorate of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan, as well as Jolbors Jorobekov, chief of the State Agency for Religious Affairs. During most recent protest December 29, about 500 people picketed in front of the spiritual directorate’s offices in Bishkek.

A statement circulated by organizers prior to the December 29 demonstration assailed the chief mufti of violating "sharia norms" and for "ignoring the opinion of Islamic scholars worldwide and of mosque attendees in Bishkek." Because the Kyrgyz constitution provides for the separation of state and religion, many mainstream Muslims are starting to question the spiritual directorate’s legitimacy to regulate religious affairs. Some now view the directorate more as an instrument of state control over religious affairs than as an independent agency.

The protests are also linked to a financial scandal in late 2005-early 2006, in which a large number of people intending to make the Hajj to Mecca became the victims of a scam. They reportedly booked trips with private travel agents, paying in full in advance, but never received promised services, and thus never left Kyrgyzstan. In response to the scandal, the government implemented changes that prohibited private travel agencies from involvement in the annual pilgrimage by believers to Mecca.

Among Jumanov’s leading critics are two formerly high-ranking officials in the spiritual directorate. One, Nematulla Jeenbekov, was removed as deputy mufti in February 2006 for misdeeds supposedly connected to the Hajj scandal. The other, Abdumanap Masaliev, was forced out last October amid accusations of financial impropriety.

While some observers believe the religious discontent is largely a byproduct of a behind-the-scenes struggle for perks and patronage power, representatives of directorate have hinted that the underground Islamic radical group Hizb-ut-Tahrir is orchestrating the protest campaign, according to local media reports.

Jumanov has been an outspoken opponent of Hizb-ut-Tahrir. During a November news conference, he lavished praise on Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, saying the administration’s strong financial support for the spiritual directorate "provided real help in the fight against Hizb-ut-Tahrir and [other] Islamic radicals."

Meanwhile, in the Uzbek part of the Ferghana Valley, authorities have expanded their control over religious groups. Ahmadjan Usmanov, the recently appointed governor of Andijan Province, has placed new restrictions on Islamic practices in the region, scene of the infamous massacre in May 2005. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. Among the changes, children and teenagers are no longer permitted to attend public prayers at mosques, and employers are forbidden to allow their employees to pray at work. In addition, all Andijan restaurants and cafes must serve alcohol to those who want it, and mosques cannot issue traditional calls to prayer. Violators will be subject to fines of 500,000 Uzbek soms (roughly $400), which is roughly 10 times the average monthly wage in the province, according to a report published by Ferghana.ru.

Usmanov’s new rules are also designed to weaken Islamic religious associations, which have emerged as a potent force in Andijan. These groups control many businesses in Andijan, including cafes and taxi companies.

Usmanov was appointed by President Islam Karimov last October to replace Saidullo Begaliev. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. Prior to his appointment, Usmanov served as chief of police in Namangan province.

The changes have prompted quiet, but bitter complaints from Andijan residents. "The new governor is playing a very dangerous game. This policy can backfire and create instability," said a local observer, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Editor�s Note: Freelance correspondent Alisher Khamidov provided reporting for this article.

The Central Eurasia Project aims, through its website, meetings, papers, and grants, to foster a more informed debate about the social, political and economic developments of the Caucasus and Central Asia. It is a program of the Open Society Institute-New York. The Open Society Institute-New York is a private operating and grantmaking foundation that promotes the development of open societies around the world by supporting educational, social, and legal reform, and by encouraging alternative approaches to complex and controversial issues.

The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the position of the Open Society Institute and are the sole responsibility of the author or authors.