Publication

This paper looks at the implications of the growing significance of Islam in Tajikistan. In particular, the author argues that the political transformation of the late 1980s have led to a pluralization of Islamic actors, which in turn has undermined the existing religious establishment in the country. She also contends that the state views this pluralization with growing suspicion and has reacted by increasing surveillance on religious authorities. Finally, she provides an alternative approach that the country can adopt to respond to the changes, which involves investment in religious education rather than attempting to combat against certain teachings.