Kazakhstan: Bloggers discuss religion · Global Voices
Askhat Yerkimbay

Because Kazakhstan does not have a clear religious policy, it has  become the norm that everyone is entitled to his or her own perspective  on faith. As it was twenty years ago, no one is really bothered by this  multitude of views, which is evidenced by the debate on religion and traditions, which recently spilled over into the blogosphere.
The discussion was sparked by the Kara Zhorga dance, which has become popular in the country in the last few years.
Urimtal writes [kaz]: “I think Kara Zhorga is not just a dance, but a whole  phenomenon that has united the nation. Even Kazakhs who live abroad are  taking part. When our government describes the expatriates in  not-so-flattering terms, Kara Zhorga is a kind of response to such  criticism.”
Orken wrote a post on the subject [kaz]:
“Let’s say the dance has roots in Mongolian or Kalmykian  culture, but we’re the ones who made it into a national brand. The  Mongols, the Chinese and the Kalmyks didn’t object in any way. This is  why I think it’s a sign of ignorance that many of us have a short memory  when it comes to tradition or even bring up Islam as an opposing  force.”
In 2011, Kazakhstan will chair the Organization of the Islamic Conference. Yet there was a discussion [kaz] not too long ago about a “potential law that would ban the wearing of headscarves.” Malimetter.org confirms the reports, and points to the causes, or rather, deputy Minister of Education and Science Mahmetkali Sarbyev does [kaz]:
“Kazakhstan is a multi-confessional state. If we permit  people to wear the hijab, then tomorrow thirty students in a single  class will show up wearing something different – and that won’t lead to  anything good,” he explains.
Timurr writes that the law will be unconstitutional, since the constitution guarantees freedom of religious expression [kaz]:
“Given everything that is happening right now, I don’t  think our officials and ministers are unaware they are going against the  law. But, if this is the case, why are they doing it?”
Original post is published on neweurasia.net