Conflict between traditional and modern Muslim practices

Somfai Kara, Dávid (2016) Conflict between traditional and modern Muslim practices. Acta Ethnographica Hungarica, 61 (2). pp. 469-481. ISSN 1216-9803

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Abstract

One of the modernization conflicts of Kyrgyz and Kazak society is discussed in this article. It is the conflict between traditional religious activities, post-Soviet Islamic revival and fundamentalism. The Islamization process in Central Asia started during the Mongol Era (13^th–16^th centuries). The nomadic population was also influenced by Sufitradition in Central Asia that goes back to the 12^th century, but it was labeled as shamanism during Soviet times. After the democratic changes and the declaration of religious freedom, some elements of this 1000-year-old tradition have been revived or revitalized. But the so-called official Islam, sponsored by Arabic states, has turned against the popular version of Islam by using the Soviet label of shamanic tradition. In reality, people practicing these traditions are devoted Muslims, they consider them to be pure Islamic traditions. But nationalist or ethnic religious movements, as well as urban esoteric practices, also incorporate elements of this tradition to legitimize their activities. This creates a very complex situation and a growing hostility between fundamentalist and traditional religious groups.

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