Religious tolerance and social stability in Uzbekistan

Tolerance is treating other beliefs, cultures and views with respect and recognising their right to exist; it does not mean giving up one’s own belief. On the territory of present-day Uzbekistan different religions lived side by side for centuries: in ancient times Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Christianity, Manichaeism and other beliefs were present (such diversity is thought to have existed under the Turkic Khaganate after 552), then Islam became the main religion, while Jewish, Christian and other communities remained. Researchers point to a principle in the Hanafi and Maturidi tradition of Central Asian scholars of avoiding excessive accusation of a person who states his belief. Foreign envoys (for example Clavijo, 1404) recorded that people of different religions lived in Samarkand in the time of Amir Temur. In hard times of the 20th century – for example, during the Second World War – local people of various nationalities and faiths gave shelter to many resettled people. Today more than 130 nationalities and ethnic groups live in Uzbekistan and, according to official data, about sixteen religious confessions operate (figures change). The Constitution guarantees freedom of conscience and establishes the separation of religion from the state; the Law on Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organisations (2021 edition) sets the procedure for the registration and activity of religious organisations. Tolerance serves social stability because it allows people of different beliefs to live together in peace.