☰ Contents · History of Uzbekistan

Interethnic and interfaith relations

Lessons 8–9 · 2 lessons · N. Jo‘rayev, A. Zamonov. History of Uzbekistan (the period of independence): textbook for Grade 11 pupils of secondary schools and for secondary specialised and vocational institutions. 1st edition. G‘afur G‘ulom Publishing and Printing Creative House, Tashkent, 2018
9

Interfaith relations in Uzbekistan

Textbook: pp. 65–70
GoalExplain the legal basis and key dates of freedom of conscience, interfaith tolerance and religious education.
New words
freedom of conscience: the right to hold any belief or none · vijdon erkinligiconfession: a religious community or denomination · konfessiyasecular state: a state that is separate from religious institutions · dunyoviy davlattolerance: patience and respect towards others’ beliefs · tolerantlik
Explanation

Uzbekistan is a secular state, and the Constitution guarantees everyone the right to profess any religion or none; imposing religious views by force is not allowed. The first law on freedom of conscience and religious organisations was adopted in 1991, with new editions in 1998 and 2021; the law supports peaceful coexistence of denominations and prohibits proselytism (urging members of one denomination to join another). Alongside Islam, Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist and other communities operate; the textbook lists 16 denominations according to official data of 2018. The two Eid festivals are official days off, and religious education is given through the Tashkent Islamic Institute, the Tashkent Islamic University opened in 1999, the Imam Bukhari International Research Centre and the Islamic Academy set up in 2017, as well as the educational institutions of other denominations. In 2007 Tashkent was proclaimed Capital of Islamic Culture, and in 2017 a proposal was put forward at the UN General Assembly for a resolution on “Enlightenment and Religious Tolerance”.

Worked examples
Example: a mosque, a church and a synagogue can stand in the same area, and each community holds its services freely within the law.
Example: secular subjects are taught in school while religious education is given in special religious institutions — this shows the state’s secular character.
Class activity

Working with a law text: students find one article of the law on freedom of conscience (lex.uz), explain it in their own words in three sentences, and the class compares the explanations.

Practice
1
In which years was the law on freedom of conscience adopted or renewed?
2
What does the phrase “secular state” mean?
3
Why is religious tolerance important for the stability of a multi-faith country?
4
In which year was the Tashkent Islamic University opened?