Member-only story
This country is cracking down on Islam despite its 90% Muslim population
In the heart of Central Asia, a quiet but profound struggle is unfolding in Tajikistan, a nation striving to balance tradition, modernity, and security. President Emomali Rahmon, who has ruled since the 1990s, is struggling to reconcile religious extremism and a cohesive national identity. This delicate dance has led to controversial measures, including a ban on the hijab in all public areas — a move that has drawn international ire and domestic debate.
Tajikistan, a former Soviet republic that gained independence in 1991, is home to a population that is approximately 95% Muslim, predominantly Sunni. The scars of a brutal civil war in the 1990s have left the government deeply wary of any influences that could destabilize the fragile peace. President Rahmon’s administration views certain Islamic practices and influences as potential threats to national stability and security, prompting stringent measures to curb what it perceives as radicalism.
The hijab ban is part of a broader campaign to limit the influence of Islam in public life. This policy extends beyond mere attire, touching on various aspects of religious practice and expression. Since 2016, the government has closed hundreds of mosques, mandated men to shave their beards, and even prohibited foreign-sounding names for children. These…
