Kazakhstan: Unity in diversity
Like India, Kazakhstan has a multi-ethnic culture with multi-religious societies co-existing in a peaceful manner. The statistics show unity in diversity in its purest form.
By Sandeep Rai, ET Bureau |
Islam is the largest religion in Kazakhstan, followed by Russian Orthodox Christianity. Kazakhs are mainly Sunni Muslims of the Hanafi school, and the Russians are Russian Orthodox.
Some 47 percent of the population is Muslim, 44 percent, Russian Orthodox, and 2 percent Protestant, mainly Baptist. Based on a 2007 data of The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Islam is practiced by 57% of the population, Christianity 40% and other religions 3%.
The country has historically hosted a wide variety of ethnic groups with varying religions. Tolerance to other societies has become a part of the Kazakh culture. The foundation of an independent republic, following the disintegration of the USSR, has launched a great deal of changes in every aspect of people's lives. Religiosity of the population, as an essential part of any cultural identity, has undergone dynamic transformations as well.
After decades of suppressed culture, the people were feeling a great need for exhibiting their ethnic identity - in part through religion. Quantitative research shows that for the first years after the establishment of the new laws, waiving any restrictions on religious beliefs and proclaiming full freedom of confessions, the country experienced a huge spike in religious activity of its citizens.
Hundreds of mosques, synagogues, churches, and other religious structures were built in a matter of years. All represented religions benefited from increased number of members and facilities.
Some 47 percent of the population is Muslim, 44 percent, Russian Orthodox, and 2 percent Protestant, mainly Baptist. Based on a 2007 data of The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Islam is practiced by 57% of the population, Christianity 40% and other religions 3%.
The country has historically hosted a wide variety of ethnic groups with varying religions. Tolerance to other societies has become a part of the Kazakh culture. The foundation of an independent republic, following the disintegration of the USSR, has launched a great deal of changes in every aspect of people's lives. Religiosity of the population, as an essential part of any cultural identity, has undergone dynamic transformations as well.
After decades of suppressed culture, the people were feeling a great need for exhibiting their ethnic identity - in part through religion. Quantitative research shows that for the first years after the establishment of the new laws, waiving any restrictions on religious beliefs and proclaiming full freedom of confessions, the country experienced a huge spike in religious activity of its citizens.
Hundreds of mosques, synagogues, churches, and other religious structures were built in a matter of years. All represented religions benefited from increased number of members and facilities.
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