Tajikistan Bans Clothes Incompatible with National Culture
Tajikistan has enacted bans on wearing clothing that does not align with the national culture and on children's festivals known as "Idgardak" during the Muslim holidays of Eid Ramadan and Eid Kurbon.
According to Asia Plus Agency, these amendments to laws governing holidays and rituals were proposed by the President of Tajikistan and approved by the country’s parliament.
The law includes fines for non-compliance, though it does not specify which types of clothing are considered “alien to the national culture” and are thus prohibited from being worn or sold.
“These provisions of the law have sparked debate and controversy in society. Some residents report that authorities stop women wearing hijabs on the streets and insist they remove them or wear them as headscarves,” the report stated.
The same legislation also prohibits children from participating in the custom of “Idgardak” during the Orozo and Kurman Ait holidays. In Tajikistan, “Idgardak” involves children visiting homes during these holidays.
“In 2017, the religious authorities in Tajikistan first criticized the extravagance and practice of Idgardak. The Council of Ulema of the Islamic Center stated that this holiday is not mentioned in religious hadiths and poses risks for children: they visit unfamiliar places, cross roads, and enter tall buildings,” reported Asia Plus.
