Islam in Turkmenistan

Because of their belief in the sacred origin and spiritual powers of the övlat representatives, Turkmen accord these tribes a special, holy status.

Many of the Turkmen who are revered for their spiritual powers trace their lineage to an övlat, and it is not uncommon, especially in rural areas, for such individuals to be present at life-cycle and other communal celebrations.

Atheist indoctrination stifled religious development and contributed to the isolation of the Turkmen from the international Muslim community.

The Mavarannahr Board is based in Tashkent and exerts considerable influence in appointments of religious leaders in Turkmenistan.

The governing body of Islamic judges (Kaziat) is registered with Turkmenistan's Ministry of Justice, and a council of religious affairs under the Cabinet of Ministers monitors the activities of clergy.

[2] Some Turkmen do not regularly attend mosque services or publicly demonstrate adherence, except through participation in officially sanctioned national traditions associated with Islam on a popular level, including life-cycle events such as weddings, burials, and pilgrimages.

Religious classes are held in both schools and mosques, with instruction in Arabic, the Qur'an and the hadith, and history of Islam.