The Kyrgyz Ministry of Interior has decided to ban holding festive namaz during Muslim holidays of Orozo Ayt and Kurman Ayt on Alatoo  square in Bishkek, reports AKIpress. Kanatbek Murzahalilov, Vice Chair of the Agency for Religion Affairs explained that this initiative was necessary due to security considerations. He also said that in all civilized countries all religious ceremonies are held at mosques. There is no country that allows holding festive namaz in central squares. He also added:

It is good that there is freedom of religion in Kyrgyzstan. The number of Islam followers is growing from year to year. But from another side, such events pose difficulties to the authorities in terms of security aspects. For example, during namaz at central square in 2005, representatives of destructive religious organizations tried to hold political campaign and to use gathered people for their interests. The Ministry of Interior suggested to allot a place for such public campaigns under the mosques and/or territories close to them to ensure public order and safety of traffic in the centre of the capital city.

Kanatbek Murzahalilov said that currently a new central mosque is being built and once it is ready, the problem will be solved. The Agency for Religion Affairs and Religious Board of Muslims in Kyrgyzstan want to ensure safety, order and law by enforcing the new law.

I am sure that the prohibition of performing Namaz in the central square will create lots of criticism. Praying at central square during Muslim holidays has become a tradition in Kyrgyzstan and has been being exercised for many years. On the other hand, Kyrgyzstan is trying to declare and confirm its status as a secular state. However, people are used to going to the central square and praying there during Muslim holidays and the tradition has become a part of their life which will be difficult to change.

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