Religious Transformation in the Post-Soviet Space: On the Example of Kyrgyzstan

Authors

• Atabek Galmamatov, Osh State UniversityFollow
• Sagynbek Kozuev, Osh State UniversityFollow
• Sultanbek Tashmatov, Islamic university of KyrgyzstanFollow
• Buzurmankul Sarbagyshov, Osh state universityFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

Галмаматов Атабек  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6653-2910

Козуев Сагынбек  https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6962-310X

Ташматов Султахбек  https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9630-0803

Сарбагышов Бузурманкул  https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9787-9054

Abstract

This article examines the process of religious transformation in post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan, focusing particularly on its institutional, social, cultural, and political dimensions. The study aims to identify the main characteristics of religious transformation, analyze the factors that have shaped its development, and assess its implications for contemporary Kyrgyz society. Methodologically, the research combines historical, comparative, and qualitative approaches to examine changes from the Soviet period to the present. The analysis demonstrates that the collapse of Soviet atheistic ideology and the expansion of religious freedom created favorable conditions for the revival of religious institutions, the growth of mosques and madrassas 1 , the development of Islamic education, and the strengthening of personal religiosity. At the same time, religious transformation has been shaped by identity processes, economic and social changes, labor migration, foreign religious influences, globalization, and the expansion of digital religious communication. The study also reveals that post-Soviet religious transformation is characterized by increasing religious pluralism and individualization. Alongside the traditional Hanafi–Maturidi 2 understanding of Islam, new religious movements and interpretations have emerged. These developments have created challenges related to radicalization, religious literacy, and the balance between state regulation and religious freedom. The article concludes that sustainable religious development requires quality religious education, constructive state–religion dialogue, respect for religious freedom, and a comprehensive approach to preventing radicalization.

Recommended Citation

Galmamatov, Atabek; Kozuev, Sagynbek; Tashmatov, Sultanbek; and Sarbagyshov, Buzurmankul (2026) "Religious Transformation in the Post-Soviet Space: On the Example of Kyrgyzstan," Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe: Vol. 46 : Iss. 10 , Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55221/2693-2229.2928
Available at: https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/ree/vol46/iss10/4