Tajikistan reportedly plans to reopen 594 mosques that had been closed down in the previous years.  The work in going on but it is unknown when the mosques will be reopened.    

The Committee on Religious Affairs (CRA) under the Government of Tajikistan has sent the list of 594 mosques for consideration to President’s Executive Office with solicitation to reopen them, an official source at the CRA told Asia-Plus today morning.  

According to him, President’s Executive Office has asked the CA to submit this list.

“We have received instruction from President’s Executive Office to make a list of mosques that could be reopened.  Such a decision was made by the President following numerous requests from citizens.  It is about mosques that were closed down in jamoats,” the source added.  

Recall, the CRA head told reporters in Dushanbe on February 6  that a special commission has been set up to assess whether the country needs to build new mosques and reopen some of the places of worship that had been closed down by authorities in the previous years.  The commission reportedly should submit its findings to the government, which will later decide where mosques should be built or reopened.

Authorities reopened dozens of mosques across the country last year.  

About 10 years ago, the government launched a campaign that led to the closure of hundreds of mosques across the country.  Some were turned into tea houses, public baths, and beauty salons.

The move has been criticized by rights groups and many Tajiks, who complain that they don't have a place of worship close to where they live.