A correspondent from Turmush decided to find out the opinions of local residents regarding the feasibility of relocating this cemetery and using its territory for other purposes.
Saitali Anarov expressed the opinion that relocation is quite feasible. “I believe this is possible. Nowadays, in various places, efforts are being made to demolish old structures and build new ones that meet modern requirements. If there is such an opportunity, then it can be done here as well,” he noted.
Raziya Ösörova, who lives in the Batken district, emphasized that the cemetery has existed for a long time and is referred to as Russian. “It was here when I was born, and according to people, this is an Orthodox cemetery. For many years, no one has been buried there. I think it should be removed. There are bones left. In our village Kök-Tash, we also removed the cemetery and now use the land for planting corn and barley. I agree that the land here should be used differently,” she said.
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Ubaidulla Tajibaev reminded about the religious aspect of the issue. “Religion states that if 40 years have passed since the last burial, one can read a prayer and carry out the necessary work. After that, the land can be used for new purposes. Similar processes are happening in other places. If construction begins, it will be beneficial,” he said.
According to Saydakhmad Appazov, the chief imam-khatib of Batken and the Batken district, Sharia allows for the relocation of a cemetery when there are substantial grounds, and this should be discussed with local residents. “The need for relocation should be driven by the needs of the people: if the land poses a threat, if infrastructure improvement is required, or if there are other risks. In such cases, religion permits relocation on the condition that residents are informed and explanatory work is carried out,” Appazov added.
