What do they say in mosques of Tashkent? Discourse of the Muslim clergy on the limitation of ritual costs

Abstract

The article analyses the changes that occurred during the period of independence of Uzbekistan in the religious life and national values of the population of the capital of the republic – the city of Tashkent, which are associated with family rituals. Based on field data, the author reveals a combination of religious and national aspects in Uzbek family rituals regarding the wedding ritual. The article analyses the views of imams concerning the costs and excesses of its implementation. Through observations of modern Uzbek society, Muslims’ social activities, the analysis of the Muslim clergy sermons at Friday prayers, their work on websites, social networks and instant messengers, the author draws attention to the breadth of discussions by Uzbek imams on family and marriage issues. The influence of the constant efforts of the Muslim clergy on changes in the volume of expenses spent on the ritual life of the Uzbek people is emphasized. It is particularly noticeable in wedding ceremonies. The work reveals transformations in Uzbek family rituals from the point of view of ritual economy.

Keywords

• tashkent
• islam
• rituals
• customs
• tradition
• wedding
• friday prayer