The Trajectory of Islam from Religious Revivalism to a Political Phenomenon through Religious NGOs in Democratization Period of Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

This research is devoted to the trajectory of Islam from revivalism to political phenomena through religious NGOs in Kyrgyzstan. The research’s main aim is to investigate the relationship between the level of political and religious freedom and the emergence of political Islam in Kyrgyzstan. After the dissolution of the USSR liberalization took place in many parts of social life in Kyrgyzstan. In “The Island of democracy” religious revivalism was seen as a legitimate part of the nation-building process. The state’s liberal policy towards religion and freedom of associations created a relatively free environment that gave good opportunities for religious groups, including Islam to establish different non-state organizations and to act in an organized way. These characteristics distinguished Kyrgyzstan from other Central Asian countries.In a relatively liberal environment non-state Islamic organizations, Islamic social activism have become an inseparable part of the Kyrgyz socio-political landscape. In this connection, this study addresses the following question: How does the country’s democracy level affect the emergence of Islamic political activism? To answer this question the study will use desk research method, media content analysis, critical discourse analysis of politicians, officials, and religious leaders' speeches, and to get more detailed insights, semi-structured interviews are conducted.