Religions in Uzbekistan

Before Islam came to Uzbekistan in the early years of the medieval period the people here used to worship elements of nature. The proof of this has been preserved in the traditional folk-art that speaks volumes about pre-Islamic Uzbekistan. Before the Arabs became the paramount political power around the 8th century, this region had already been exposed to Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and to the religious and social philosophy of Mazda.

With the coming of the Arabs came Islam. It has been the predominant religious force in Uzbekistan, as well as the rest of Central Asia, ever since the 8th century AD. Today 88% of the population is Muslim of which most are Sunni Muslims. Around 10% of the population is orthodox Christian. The remaining 2% is comprised of Jews, Catholics and Buddhists.
The Uzbek people have traditionally been a tolerant people. All religions receive equal respect in this secular country though Islam, in recognition of its historical significance, is accorded special status by the constitution.
The Republic of Uzbekistan, being a member of the international community, bears full responsibility regarding support of different faiths. The Article 18 of the Constitution of Uzbekistan fixed that all citizens of our country have the same rights and freedoms, and are equal without distinction by gender, race, nationality, language, religion, origin, belief, personal and a social status. The Constitution guarantees the rights of citizens for freedom of conscience. Everyone has the right to profess any religion or not profess any. Forced propagation of religious views is inadmissible (Article 31).

Nowadays, there are more than 2,2 thousand religious organizations representing 16 denominations that have legal registration in Uzbekistan. Naturally, the overwhelming majority - 2042 or 92% of total - are Muslim organizations, as approximately 88% of population in Uzbekistan consider themselves as followers of Islam. Besides, 164 Christian organizations, 8 Jewish communities, 6 Bahai communities, 1 Krishna society and 1 Buddhist temple are also represented in the country.
Believers of Uzbekistan freely celebrate all religious holidays. That is why, year-by-year and in a wide scale, Muslims celebrate Id al-Adha and Id al-Fitr, Christians - Easter and Christmas, Jews – Pesach, Purim and Hanukkah. By the decrees of the President of Uzbekistan, Id al-Adha and Id al-Fitr are announced as the national holidays.

During Independence years, thousands of citizens of Uzbekistan have had the opportunity to carry out Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, visit sacred places for Christians and Jews in Russia, Greece and Israel. Pilgrims are provided with comprehensive help by the State, including organization of special flights, medical services, concessionary airfare, support with visa formalities and etc.
Hundreds of mosques, churches and meeting-houses, including Khazrati Imam Complex in Tashkent, Orthodox temples in Tashkent, Samarkand and Navoi, Catholic church in Tashkent, the Armenian apostolic church in Samarkand were constructed and restored with support of the Government.
The Tashkent Islamic University was established in September 1999 on the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan. The system of religious training also consists of the Tashkent Islamic Institute, 10 madrasas, Orthodox and Protestant seminaries.

During the years of Independence, the Sacred Koran, 16 books of the Old Testament, as well as the whole New Testament were translated into the Uzbek language and published in the country.
Muslims, Christians, Jews and followers of other religions have a thousand years history of co-existence, mutual tolerance, assistance and solidarity. Today, it is obvious that these inter-religious peace and harmony were preserved and further strengthened during Independence years in Uzbekistan.