“This is not just a mosque. We are creating a madrasa where children can live and receive systematic religious upbringing,” he stated.
Japarov also pointed to the growing number of Islamic movements, some of which are destructive. This leads to disputes and disagreements even among Kyrgyz people.
“Currently, there are about 10-15 different movements. Each claims to be right, which generates conflicts. We need to organize this situation,” the president added.
He emphasized that in modern times, religious literacy is of particular importance. Previously, to receive education, young people had to go abroad, and the lack of control often led them to fall under the influence of incorrect teachings.
“Now we will educate young people up to 18 years old on native soil, guiding them in the right direction,” Japarov noted.
He also reported that graduates of the madrasa will be able to continue their studies at the Islamic Academy opened in Tokmok, which will serve as the foundation for forming a unified system of religious education in the country.
The president reminded that there are about four thousand mosques in Kyrgyzstan.
“Imams in these mosques will be appointed from the graduates of the madrasa and the academy. This will help reduce contradictions and the influence of erroneous movements in religion. If necessary, the state will allocate funds for these purposes,” he said.
Japarov also explained that the business project and the charitable part are clearly separated: the hotel being built by the same investor on the site of the former "Naryn" restaurant will be a commercial entity, while the mosque is a gift to the people.
“Abdukadir Habibula will manage the hotel as a business, while the mosque will be a gift for the people. We must create conditions for investors to work. He could have limited himself to just the hotel, but he decided to gift a mosque that can accommodate several thousand people and will include a madrasa and a dormitory. This is his good deed,” the president stated.
According to Japarov, after the construction is completed, the mosque will be fully transferred to the Kyrgyz side.
“The facility will be built and handed over to the full disposal of the Kyrgyz side. I also promise to provide assistance in the further maintenance of the mosque,” Japarov concluded.
