The religion of Turkmenistan is predominantly Islam, with the vast majority of the population identifying as Muslim. Islam was introduced to the region in the 8th century and has played a significant role in shaping the culture, traditions, and social norms of Turkmenistan.
Islam in Turkmenistan:
- Sunni Islam: The majority of Turkmen Muslims adhere to Sunni Islam, which is the largest branch of Islam globally. Sunni Muslims in Turkmenistan follow the Hanafi school of jurisprudence, one of the four major Sunni schools.
- Shia Islam: There is also a small Shia Muslim minority, though their numbers are much fewer compared to the Sunni population.
Secularism and Government Influence:
Turkmenistan is officially secular, with the government maintaining a policy of state control over religious practices. Although Islam is the dominant religion, the government regulates religious activities, and religious groups must register with the state. In recent years, the state has taken measures to limit the influence of religious institutions, especially those considered foreign or unregistered.
Religious Practices:
- Mosques: There are many mosques throughout the country, and religious services, including Friday prayers, are common. However, religious activities are tightly regulated by the state.
- Ramadan: Many Turkmen Muslims observe Ramadan, fasting from dawn to sunset, and the end of Ramadan is celebrated with the festival of Eid al-Fitr.
- Other Islamic Holidays: Islamic holidays like Eid al-Adha are also observed, but again, the extent of public celebration can be influenced by state policy.
Minority Religions:
While Islam is the dominant religion, Turkmenistan is also home to small communities of other religious groups:
- Russian Orthodox Christianity: There is a minority of Russian Orthodox Christians in Turkmenistan, particularly among ethnic Russians, although their numbers have decreased over the years due to migration.
- Other Faiths: There are also very small communities of Jews, Protestants, and other religious groups, but these are not widely practiced.
The overall religious landscape of Turkmenistan reflects a blend of Islamic tradition, state control, and the influences of the country’s diverse history.
