Seminar on Islam in Central Asia

The IIAS and the Institute of Oriental Studies (IOS) of the Russian Academy of Sciences are organizing a joint seminar on Islam in Central Asia (see IIAS Newsletter 4 Spring 1995 page 9). The theme of the seminar is: Islam, Ethnicity and Secularism: the interaction between the newly independent states of Central Asia and their neighbouring states. The seminar will focus on the sources of inspiration and ideology of the dominant power groups and of the Islamic movements in Central Asia and particular attention to cross-border networks, bilateral contacts, and regional co-operation, involving both governmental and non-governmental organizations.

By Dick Douwes

The organizers have decided to broaden the scope of the seminar in order to create an opportunity to reflect on the recent developments in the Caucasuses and the possible implications of the Chechen conflict for the situation in Central Asia. The events in this part of the former Soviet Union have emphasized the, at times confusing, relations between nationalism, nation building and religion. Although the Chechen rebels against Russian rule are nationalist rather than Islamic, in symbols and, to a degree, in practice, their Islamic identity was, and still is, accentuated. Not only the rebel movement itself and its supporters in the Islamic world have stressed the religious dimensions of the conflict, the Russian policy-makers and nationalists have also underscored the religious aspect of the uprising and its attempted suppression. It may seem surprising that the leadership of the newly independent states of Central Asia have so far kept a low profile in respect to the crisis in Chechenia. Instead, the secularist post-communist governments of Central Asia have chosen to consolidate their position and to limit the possibilities of opposition to their rule. In the process they are using a variety of policy instruments, sometimes including close co-operation with the Russian authorities. The intricate relations between the newly independent states and the Russian Federation militate against opting for antagonism about faith in the footsteps of the communities in the Caucasuses. A number of governments in the Middle East and Asia have demonstrated far more sympathy with their fellow Muslims under siege.