Bishkek – the Capital of Islamic Culture
This year, Bishkek has been declared the capital of Islamic culture. Preparations for the events are currently in full swing. The government of Kyrgyzstan is actively preparing for one of the first events – a forum of the same name.
An organizing committee has already been established in the Kyrgyz Republic, responsible for presenting the capital of the country to the delegates of the Islamic world in a worthy manner. It is headed by Deputy Prime Minister Kamila Talieva. The celebrations in Bishkek will take place from May 20 to October 19. During this time, the country will organize art exhibitions, film festivals, symposiums, and conferences, as well as a tourism fair. The meetings will be held under the slogan "Kyrgyzstan - a secular state," but the values of Islamic culture will still be promoted.
The project also has more practical plans. For example, 16 million soms will be spent on the reconstruction of the historical and memorial complex "Shah-Fazil" in the Ala-Buka district of the Jalal-Abad region. Events in Kyrgyzstan will take place in a challenging environment. The attitude towards Islam in the country is currently ambiguous. Many expert theologians have repeatedly stated that religious fanaticism not only exists in the country but is a reality. The President of the country, Almazbek Atambayev, personally called for the regulation of religious movements in the country and for them to be brought under control.
The idea to declare Bishkek the capital of Islamic culture belongs to one of the divisions of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Information about such an important event was proudly announced at the end of January this year by the Minister of Culture of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sultan Raev. The organization has existed for over 40 years and includes 57 states, including Kyrgyzstan. Bishkek has taken over this status from the city of Medina (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). Among the CIS countries, similar status has already been granted to Baku and Dushanbe. Next year, the status will be awarded to Almaty in Kazakhstan.
