Berkley Center

I am living in Dushanbe, Tajikistan for the next nine months, and I am excited to participate in JYAN because it will give me to opportunity to look more closely at struggles of Tajikistan's citizens to reconcile their recent Soviet past with their strong, uniquely Central Asian Islamic history. I am interested in exploring topics like the preservation of religious practice and belief through musical tradition, the position of the Ismaili Shi'a minority in Tajik society, the attempts of the current government to regulate the religious sphere, and the extent to which adherents to Sufism struggle to practice in the modern political environment.

All of these themes have come up in the conversations I've had over the last two weeks: religion and the specific challenges facing religious communities in Tajikistan are frequently discussed, among my host family, with new Tajik friends, with professors, and even with shopkeepers in the bazaar. Because my program here in Dushanbe focuses on language proficiency, the eagerness of Tajiks to discuss and explain their religious views and experiences will inform my writings and analysis for JYAN.

I am excited to participate in JYAN because as I prepared to travel to Tajikistan over the last year, I became passionate about sharing information about Central Asian—and specifically Tajik—history, culture, and politics with others. I believe the region is often overlooked by mainstream commentaries, and am thrilled to have an opportunity to evaluate, share, and receive feedback on my new, limited knowledge.