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Religion in Uzbekistan The Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan guarantees the principles of freedom of thought, conscience and religion. on 1 May 1998, the Oliy Madjlis adopted the Law on Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations. Every person has a right to adhere to his own convictions and beliefs and perform religious rites.
There are 15 religious confessions today in Uzbekistan, the people of different religions live in peace and friendship, and contribute their share in the flourishing of the republic and preservation of peace. Traditionally the leading religious confession is the Islamic community which has 1,555 organizations.
Over 150 religious organizations in the republic belong to non-Muslim confessions. There are 26 Orthodox Christian organizations, 15 organizations of Evangelical Christian Baptists, 44 organizations of the Korean Protestant Church, 9 of the Seventh Day Adventists,8 Jewish religious communities, 3 congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and three parishes of the Roman Catholic Church. New religions also actively penetrate the republic, like Bahaist community which came into existence in Iran in 19th century, Krishnaism, etc.
In 1992 the Committee on Religious Affairs under the Cabinet of Ministers was set up; it links the religious organizations with the government and foreign religious centers.
Islam
Islam is the most widespread religion in the Asian region. The proclamation of independence gave a powerful incentive to the spiritual rejuvenation of the Uzbek nation, the mentality and traditions of which have been formed for many centuries under the influence of Islam. For millions of Muslims the idea of a righteous life revealed by the Prophet makes the foundation of the world outlook, moral, public and political convictions. The five main principles of Islam include monotheism and the acknowledgment of Mohammed"s prophetical mission, prayers, fasting during the month of Ramadan, the voluntary transfer of part of ones income in favor of the needy and pilgrimage to holy places.
Since the ancient times Uzbekistan was famous for its Islamic objects of worship. In the Tashkent Region alone there are over 20 of them, in Samarkand over 40, in Bukhara, 13, Kashakadarya, 26. The towns of Samarkand and Bukhara are world Islamic centers. There are over 160 Muslim relics in Uzbekistan. The moderate Sunni branch of the Islamic religion, dominating in the country, is acknowledged in the republic.
Today Islam in Uzbekistan is not just a creed but also a way of life. Old mosques are refurbished and new ones are under construction. The government finances pilgrimages to Mecca and promotes the restoration of ties with Islamic countries. About 200 officially registered mosques function today in Uzbekistan.
During the years of independence 30,000 citizens have been able to perform the Hadj (pilgrimage), and over 50,000 have performed Umra (minor pilgrimage). The traditions of the Muslim holidays have been regained by the people. Islam in Uzbekistan has become a major factor for spiritual rejuvenation of the nation, spiritual and civil ideals.
Christian Orthodox Church
Christianity in Uzbekistan is represented first of all by its Orthodox branch. The Christian Orthodox community is the largest one has 26 organizations (parishes). Among the parishioners are of the Orthodox church are Russians, Ukrainians, Tatars, and Koreans.
There are five Orthodox churches in Tashkent. Acting Orthodox churches exist in every major city. They are managed by the Central Asian Eparchy headed by the Archbishop. The Orthodox nunnery is situated in Soldatskoye village. The Tashkent Theological Seminary is situated near the cathedral church in Tashkent. There are 30 students living and studying there, besides theology they learn English, Uzbek, Latin, psychology and other subjects. Historically the Orthodox Church has close ties with the Muslim clergy.
Thus, according to the recollections of a peasant from Troitskoye village (near Chirchik), generous contribution for the construction of the Orthodox church had been done by the mullah of the local mosque, and the Emir of Bukhara. Said Alimkhan made donations to the orphans" fund set up by the local Orthodox church. The Orthodox Church in Uzbekistan makes its contribution to the cause of strengthening peace and accord between the nations.
The Archbishop of Tashkent and Central Asia maintains good friendly relations with Muslim religious figures. The chief Mufti of Uzbekistan Muslims visits with greetings and congratulations to the Eparchy during major Christian holidays, like Christmas, Easter, whereas during Islamic holidays, the Archbishop congratulates all Uzbekistan Muslims.
Other Confessions
The communities of Catholics, Protestants, Baptists and the Seventh Day Adventists, Krishnaits and Buddhists coexist in peace and friendship in Uzbekistan. The authorities of Tashkent have passed over the building of the Roman-Catholic church to its congregation, and the building of the Protestant church to the Protestant community of the Lutheran church (both buildings are dated from the beginning of the 20th century).
The communities of Baptists and the Seventh Day Adventists have their own chapels and schools. After the proclamation of independence all religious organizations got the opportunity to closely contact with their foreign brethren-in-faith.
Thus, the synagogues in Tashkent and other large towns have established active educational contacts with Israel. The selection and education of talented teenagers and youth in Israel is carried out by the Jewish Center. All this is the result of the irreversible democratic processes. International and inter-confessional accord has become an important accomplishment of public life.
History of Uzbekistan Culture heritage Religion
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