Behind Tajikistan’s Hijab Ban

Anti-Islamic rhetoric has been slowly growing within the Tajikistan government. The government’s justification? Protecting the purity of Tajikistan culture.

As we know it today, Tajikistan culture is a culmination of Zoroastrianism, Islam, and Persian arts and literature.

Tajikistan is a majority Muslim country. However, the Tajikistan government led by Emomali Rahmon have imposed measures to wipe Islamic influence from its people, starting with the hijab.

In 2007, a hijab ban was imposed in schools. 2 years later, the ban was imposed in public institutions.

Emomali Rahmon has a long history of pressuring the Tajikistan people to look “more Western”. He envisions a more secular country, ignoring the wishes of the Tajikistan majority.

The latest nationwide hijab ban
The official banning of the hijab nationwide is not a surprise to Tajikistanis who have lived under the oppressive rule of Emomali Rahmon.

Under the newly enacted legislation, individuals wearing hijabs or other prohibited religious attire in Tajikistan could be fined up to 7,920 somonis (approximately $740). Companies permitting employees to wear banned garments face penalties of 39,500 somonis ($3,700). Government officials are subject to even higher fines ranging from 54,000 to 57,600 somonis ($5,000 to $5,400) if found violating the restrictive law.

Emomali Rahmon’s actions towards a secular Tajikistan
Rahmon is the 3rd president of Tajikistan and have been ruling the country since 1994. Throughout his reign, he has won the presidential post undemocratically. He has also extended his rule and maintained his power through the results of a national referendum.

Emomali Rahmon, 3rd President of Tajikistan

His government is authoritarian with elements of a cult personality. His political opponents are repressed. Corruption is rampant. And of course nepotism too. Rahmon has a habit of appointing family members to positions of power.

One example is the appointment of his son, Rustam Emomali, as the chairman of the country’s parliament and the mayor of its capital city, Dushanbe.

Making Rahmon immune
In December 2015, the Tajikistan parliament passed a law to grant Rahmon the title of “Founder Of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation” in short “Leader of the Nation”. With this title comes additional privileges.

Rahmon is immune to any persecution under the law. He has the power to veto any major state decisions and is welcome to attend any government meetings. In addition, Rahmon may address the nation on any matters he deems important.

Based on his actions to secure undying loyalty and absolute power, it’s clear that Rahmon’s idea of secularism is merely replacing Islam with the religion of Rahmon. Instead of excluding religion in official affairs.

Months before the hijab ban was made official
On 18th April 2024, USAID sent $18 Million to Tajikistan under the guise of “Boosting Economic Growth”. A few months after Tajikistan officially bans the hijab nationwide.

It is no secret, that Tajikistan has enjoyed monetary aid from the US for decades. However, the aid has made little impact in uplifting the majority of Tajikistanis.

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