The Central Asian Research Center (ORASAM) at Kyrgyzstan-Turkey “Manas” University will hold a workshop on “Religious Groups and Their Activities in Kyrgyzstan,” June 25-27
National, religious, ethnic, communal and gender identities have been re-conceptualized in Central Asia since the collapse of the Soviet Union. With the collapse of old political, economic, societal and even belief systems, individuals as well as communities have begun to search or create new identities. One of the main identities being sought is based on religion in the region.
Among the Central Asian countries, Kyrgyzstan has been relatively open to missionary and other religious activities in the country. In recent years, the religious awakening in Kyrgyzstan has instigated some social, communal and cultural debate as well as legal and political ones.
Therefore, the workshop has two important inter-related topics: missionary activities and radical religious groups in the country. While there has relatively been stable condition and an increase in the numbers of religious activities in the country, the change of social structure, the fluidity of inter-religious relationships, and post-Soviet and post-9/11 narrative on religious and religious activities may again create a potential hotspot in Kyrgyzstan. For that reason, this workshop aims to address the religious activities of foreign citizens and radical, missionaries, and global religious groups.
In this workshop, scholars, experts, religious authorities and locals will discuss issues (not limited) of:
- Religious Groups in Kyrgyzstan
- Religious Activities
- Religious Laws
- Missionary Activities
- Global Religious Groups
- Religion and Kyrgyz society
- Religion and Minorities
- Sufism
- Illegal Religious Groups
- Religion and Politics
- Religion and Security
The working languages of the workshop are English, Russian and Kyrgyz.
The workshop will take place at Manas University, Djal Campus. The organizers will provide for a limited number of participants who are coming from out of Bishkek to stay at the university’s guesthouse. There is no admission or registration fees, lunches, and refreshments will be provided for all participants. Furthermore, the organizers can provide help with finding reasonably priced accommodation in Bishkek.
Please send your topics and proposals to orasam@manas.edu.kg by 5 June 2014.
Yasar Sari
Kyrgyzstan-Turkey Manas University
Department of International Relations
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Phone: +996 778 808 901
E-mail: yasarsariATgmail.com