ISLAMIC HOLY PLACES IN SOVIET KAZAKHSTAN: ATHEIST ATTACK AND PROPAGANDA

Abstract

Introduction. The article investigates the stance of the Communist Party in Soviet Kazakhstan regarding Islamic sacred sites and the measures taken against them. The state ’s stance was unfavorably inclined, attributed to the prevalent atheistic ideology, towards the tradition of religious believers visiting holy places. The Bolsheviks faced a significant challenge in establishing an atheistic society due to the persistence of religious traditions that sustained faith. Despite this obstacle, the Bolsheviks adhered to their atheistic agenda and took actions accordingly. The purpose and objectives of the research. The research seeks to uncover and analyze the guiding principles and counter-propaganda strategies employed by the Soviet authorities and the Communist Party in Kazakhstan regarding religion and the tradition of Musl im pilgrimage to Islamic holy places. To assess the state of holy places in Soviet Kazakhstan, evaluating the extent of damage and the sustainability of the aforementioned religious tradition. Results. The government made every effort to discourage religious believers from visiting holy places, employing mass propaganda orchestrated by the Communist Party. Certain sacred sites were seized by the state, repurposed for various uses, and attempts were made to establish atheistic museums in some of these locati ons. Additionally, certain holy places were shut down, and measures were implemented to prevent believers from accessing them. Conclusion. Certainly, the communists faced formidable challenges in their pursuit of establishing an atheistic society. The stat e’s approach to religion and holy places varied across different periods. Individuals, who refrained from visiting holy places during times of heightened attacks, would often revive the tradition when religious policies were relaxed.