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Abstract

After the breakup of the former Soviet Union the Central Asian countries demonstrated the resurgence of the Islamic religion. Since 90s the number of religious education institutions, mosques, and other religiously affiliated organizations has significantly increased. This fact drew attention not only of international experts and western scholars but also mass media and researchers on the post-Soviet space. The present study is aimed at understanding the government – religious organizations relationship via an analysis of policy initiatives and their intended impact areas, the driving forces behind the government's involvement in regulation of religion, and the current Islam status in the Central Asian countries. Data sources include ongoing research on Islam in the region, the literature, governmental documents and websites as well as mass media publications during the post-Soviet period. This desk research discusses the following questions: What are Post-Soviet policies on state-religion relations in the Central Asian Republics? What are the functions and responsibilities of emerging regulatory institutions in the religious field? It is shown that although the Islamic revival process is different in Central Asian countries, it is necessary to recognize the existence of common trends. The efforts of Central Asia states toward working in close cooperation via interstate associations and bilateral agreements help to ensure religious security alongside with secularization of Islam. Furthermore, institutionalization of the state - religious organizations relationship helps to reduce the ‘radicalization’ associated with Islamic revival. The findings of the study help better understand the significance of the regulatory role of the state in the fight with the threat of extremism and terrorism.