Religions in Uzbekistan - A Harmonious Blend of Traditions and Faiths

Nestled in Central Asia, Uzbekistan has about 31.5 million population. The nation was formerly a part of the Soviet Union and then the Russian Empire. In 1991, it attained national independence. Approximately 80% of the people are of Uzbek descent. Nonetheless, there are sizable populations of many ethnicities around the nation as well. These people practice a variety of religions. Therefore, Uzbekistan is a country rich in religious variety, where the sounds of ancient caravans can still be heard in its silent deserts and busy bazaars.

This article will show you the religions in Uzbekistan that are most commonly practiced in this country.

Uzbekistan Religion Before Islam

The locals in Uzbekistan used to worship natural elements until Islam arrived in the country in the early Middle Ages. This has been demonstrated by the old folk art that has been maintained and tells a powerful story of pre-Islamic Uzbekistan. This region had previously been exposed to Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and the theological and social philosophy of Mazda before the Arabs emerged as the dominant political force in the 8th century.

Islam arrived with the arrival of the Arabs. Since the eighth century AD, it has dominated religion in both Uzbekistan and the rest of Central Asia. Currently, 88% of people identify as Muslims, the majority of whom are Sunni Muslims. 10% or so of people identify as orthodox Christians. The remaining two percent are made up of Buddhists, Catholics, and Jews.

Historically, the Uzbek people have been accepting of others. In this secular nation, all religions are respected equally, yet the constitution grants Islam particular status due to its historical significance.

Before Islam, many people in Uzbekistan worship natural elements

Before Traveling - Know about Religions in Uzbekistan

Islam - The Main Religion in Uzbekistan

The majority of Uzbekistan’s population adheres to Sunni Islam, which plays a central role in the country’s cultural and spiritual identity. Over 90% of the population are Muslim, and the religion can influence nearly every aspect of their daily life. This is shown in the architecture, artworks, language and customs.

Early Islam in Uzbekistan

Islam was introduced and was one of the religions in Uzbekistan in the 8th century by Arab conquerors during the spread of the Umayyad Caliphate. From this time, Islam has been the primary religion of Central Asia. The adoption of Islam was gradual but deep, eventually becoming the dominant faith by the 10th century. During this time, the region's major cities including Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, became important centers of Islamic scholarship and culture.

Bukhara, in particular, became known as the "Pillar of Islam" for its rich Islamic heritage. It produced renowned scholars like Imam al-Bukhari, whose collections of hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) remain influential in Islamic jurisprudence. Bukhara’s historic mosques and madrasas (Islamic schools) still stand as symbols of the country’s rich Islamic past.

Islam is the main religion in Uzbekistan

Sufism and Spirituality

Sufism is a mystical branch of Islam that has a long history in religions in Uzbekistan. It focuses on the inward search for God and emphasizes everyone's moral and spiritual development in ourselves. Moreover, the country also has some of the most significant Sufi shrines and monuments that attract pilgrims from around the world to come here to pray or visit.

Among the influential Sufi masters in Uzbekistan, Bahauddin Naqshband’s importance cannot be overstated as he is the founder of the Naqshbandi Sufi order which encourages simplicity in lifestyle and disavows any attachment to material possessions. His tomb, which is found in the neighborhood of Bukhara, has become one of the most important pilgrimage sites for adherents of Sufism.

Islam in Modern Uzbekistan

After Uzbekistan gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, there was a revival of religious practices. Mosques that had been closed or repurposed during the Soviet era were reopened, and Islamic schools began to operate again. However, the Uzbek government maintains strict control over religious institutions to ensure the promotion of moderate Islam and to curb the influence of radicalism. The state emphasizes the separation of religion from politics and promotes religious tolerance among its citizens.

Today, religious holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are celebrated widely, and many Uzbeks observe traditional Islamic practices such as fasting during Ramadan. However, the expression of Islam in Uzbekistan remains moderate, with local customs often blending Islamic and pre-Islamic traditions.

Many beautiful mosque in Uzbekistan for Islam

Christianity in Uzbekistan

Although Islam is the dominant religion, Christianity has also played a role in the religious landscape of Uzbekistan, particularly among its minority communities. Around 3% of the population identifies as Christian, with the majority belonging to the Russian Orthodox Church. This is a legacy of the Russian Empire’s expansion into Central Asia in the 19th century and the subsequent Soviet influence.

With 4% of the population being Orthodox Christians and 3% being Catholics, Christianity is the second most popular religion in the nation. In Central Asia, the Russian Orthodox Church commemorated its 140th anniversary in 2011. The church has been a part of Uzbekistan's religious landscape since the 19th century. The establishment of the Tashkent and Turkistan Eparchy by Emperor Alexander II in 1871, together with the acquisition of the Russian Empire, are the events that gave rise to Orthodox Christianity in the region.

Other Beliefs in Religions in Uzbekistan

Roughly 1.9% of people follow various minority faiths, including Zoroastrianism, Judaism, and Roman Catholicism. The majority of the ethnic Polish community is Roman Catholic. There are only a few Catholic churches in the country, the most notable being the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in Tashkent. Despite its small size, the Catholic community remains active, with services held regularly and humanitarian work being done by the Church.

The Bukharan Jewish community, many of whom emigrated from the country following independence, is Judaism. Long before Islam was introduced, Zoroastrianism was an indigenous religion. According to estimates, it currently has 7,400 followers in Uzbekistan.

Aside from Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, there are smaller religious communities in Uzbekistan, including Buddhists, Baha'is, and Hare Krishnas, though they represent a very small percentage of the population. These communities are mainly composed of expatriates and foreign workers who live in the country temporarily.

Jesus Cathedral in Uzbekistan

Freedom of Religion

The Uzbek Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of religion. However, in reality, the government does not respect this right and has even attempted to impose restrictions on specific religious activities. Proselytizing, printing and distributing religious publications, and starting private religious schools are all forbidden by law. The aforementioned religions are generally accepted in the Muslim-dominated society, although attempts to convert Uzbeks are not tolerated. Additionally, the government has mandated that religious denominations register.

Conclusion

Religions in Uzbekistan are a reflection of its long and diverse history. Islam, particularly Sunni Islam, dominates the spiritual life of the country, with a rich tradition of Islamic scholarship and Sufism. However, the presence of Christian, Jewish, and other religious communities adds to the country’s cultural and religious diversity.

In modern Uzbekistan, religion is both a deeply personal practice and a source of cultural pride. The country’s emphasis on religious tolerance and interfaith coexistence allows people of different beliefs to live together peacefully, making Uzbekistan a model of religious harmony in Central Asia.